A massive storm is tearing across the country this week, bringing the most dangerous tornado and flood threat of 2025. Forecasters say up to 16 states are in the crosshairs, with conditions expected to spiral by Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has already issued flood warnings for 11 states. These include Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Meteorologists say it’s not just flooding people should worry about. Starting Tuesday afternoon, severe thunderstorms will rip through the central U.S., bringing hail, 70 mph winds, and potential tornadoes.
Wednesday Could Bring Catastrophic Impact
The most extreme weather will hit on Wednesday. AccuWeather’s team expects deadly twisters and historic flooding to strike large portions of the Midwest and South.
Forecasters predict 8 to 18 inches of rainfall in areas like Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. Rainfall could break records and cause widespread destruction.
Senior meteorologist William Clark issued a chilling warning. “This could be a 500- to 1,000-year flood event,” he said. “We might see four to five months of rain fall in less than a week.”
16 States Under Tornado and Flood Watch
While flood warnings are already in place, the tornado threat is growing fast. On Wednesday, the tornado risk zone expands to cover Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Louisiana.
As of Tuesday morning, 16 states face threats ranging from hail and lightning to life-threatening tornadoes and flash floods. That list runs from Texas in the south to Michigan in the north.
AccuWeather meteorologist Guy Pearson said, “Wednesday will likely bring the most dangerous severe weather the U.S. has seen all year.”
March Storm Still Fresh in Memory
This isn’t the first time in 2025 that the central U.S. has been hit hard. A mega storm just three weeks ago ripped through these same regions. That storm dropped over 70 tornadoes, left 250,000 people without power, and claimed at least 40 lives.
However, experts say this new system could be even worse. While the March storm packed twisters, it didn’t bring the level of rainfall now expected.
Historic Flood Risk Rises Hour by Hour
Clark said this week’s event could dwarf anything the region has seen in decades. “If the rainfall totals hold up, we’re staring at an event that rivals the worst floods in American history,” he said.
Flash floods could strike with little warning. Even areas not prone to flooding may experience dangerous runoff, washed-out roads, and swollen rivers.
Meteorologists believe the 1,000-mile-long storm front will park itself over parts of the South and Midwest for four days, dumping relentless rain.
Storm Fueled by Jet Stream, Moisture Surge
Several weather patterns are converging to supercharge the system. Pearson explained that moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is combining with warm air and a strong jet stream overhead.
“When you get that much fuel in the atmosphere, the risk for tornadoes goes through the roof,” he said.
And it won’t end Wednesday. The threat will extend into Thursday and Friday, with more hail and damaging winds expected into the weekend.
Texas and Louisiana Already Reeling
Last week, floods in South Texas killed three people. Some towns received over 12 inches of rain in just 24 hours. The water overwhelmed roads, forcing drivers to abandon their vehicles.
Now, the same storm track aims to bring more destruction across Louisiana and into the Southeast.
Forecasters say flash flooding could stretch as far north as Pennsylvania and Michigan by Friday. That puts millions more at risk.
Past Polar Vortex Fueled the Chaos
This dangerous setup has been building since winter. In February and March, back-to-back polar vortex collapses allowed frigid air to slam the U.S. repeatedly.
The cold air collided with moisture from the Gulf, creating a pipeline for winter storms. Now, that same pattern is feeding springtime severe weather.
Meteorologists say the jet stream remains unusually locked over the U.S., acting like a conveyor belt for rain, snow, and storms.
Tornado Alley Braces for Impact
While flooding is the headline threat, tornadoes remain a terrifying wildcard. Forecast models suggest twisters could touch down across multiple states on Wednesday night.
Forecasters believe Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee could see the worst of it. Some towns may face large, violent tornadoes after dark—when visibility is low and warning time is short.
Emergency managers are urging residents to charge phones, review safety plans, and have storm shelters ready.
Communities on Edge as System Approaches
With the memory of March still fresh, communities are taking no chances. Some schools and offices have already announced early closures.
Local governments across the Midwest and South are issuing sandbags and preparing evacuation plans. The National Guard remains on standby in several states.
“If you’re in a flood zone or tornado-prone area, pay attention now,” Pearson warned. “This storm won’t give you much time to react.”
