by Tornado Threat Rises: Severe Storms Expected Across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas on Sunday, May 18
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued an enhanced risk forecast for severe thunderstorms—including the potential for powerful tornadoes—across central and eastern Kansas on Sunday, May 18, 2025. This elevated alert means there’s a 30% chance of severe storms in the area, and some could produce EF2 to EF5 tornadoes, packing winds over 115 mph.
The severe weather threat doesn’t stop with Kansas. It also stretches south into north-central Oklahoma and parts of North Texas, and north and east into Nebraska, Missouri, and northwest Arkansas.
According to forecast models—like the European model—clusters of severe thunderstorms are expected to begin forming Saturday across the south-central U.S. These storms will likely intensify and become more widespread by Sunday afternoon and evening.
Forecasters point to a developing low-pressure system over Colorado, which will create an unstable atmosphere fueled by daytime heating. This setup could lead to the formation of supercells, which are capable of producing:
- Damaging straight-line winds over 75 mph
- Large hail greater than 2 inches in diameter
- Long-track, violent tornadoes
If you live in or plan to travel through the affected areas on Sunday, stay updated with the latest forecasts and alerts from the Storm Prediction Center and your local National Weather Service office. Conditions can change quickly, so being prepared is key to staying safe.
