Tag: Tornado News

Illinois leading U.S. in tornadoes with 140 so far in 2026

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dramatic sky over rural wheat field

Thursday night’s tornado outbreak in the Chicago area continues a concerning trend of increasing tornado frequency in the Upper Midwest. With 140 tornadoes so far this year, Illinois leads the nation in tornado count for the third of the last four years. In a distant second place is Mississippi with 82 tornadoes this year, and Missouri comes in third with 62.  It’s the fourth year in a row that Illinois has surpassed 100 tornadoes. Illinois averages only 54 tornadoes per year, according to the Illinois State Climatologist’s Office.

As CBS News Chicago reported in February, we may be witnessing what climate researchers have long expected in a warming climate. As human activities add greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, a warmer climate is making the traditional Tornado Alley in the Plains hotter and more arid. This change shifts the more favorable tornado ingredients eastward into the Midwest and Deep South, and leads to more tornadoes in Illinois. Thursday’s tornado outbreak comes during the typical peak of tornado activity in Illinois. Tornado frequency typically peaks between April and June in the Chicago area. It follows a very unusual early-season tornado outbreak on March 10 that brought a deadly EF-3 tornado to Kankakee and Newton counties.

Source: Illinois leading U.S. in tornadoes with 140 so far in 2026 – CBS Chicago

Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
Psalm 112:6

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National Weather Service confirms multiple tornadoes with Streator, Merrillville among hardest hit areas

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uprooted tree cut in pieces

Residents across Illinois and Indiana are cleaning up from severe damage after destructive tornadoes and severe storms hit on Thursday night.  As of Friday evening, the National Weather Service has confirmed at least seven tornado touchdowns on June 11, including an EF-3 tornado in Kouts, Indiana, an EF-3 tornado in Streator, Illinois, an EF-2 tornado in Merrillville, Indiana, an EF-1 tornado in Bartlett , Illinois, an EF-1 tornado near Dwight, Illinois, an Ef-1 tornado in Wenona, Illinois, and an EF-0 tornado in St. John, Indiana. Storm survey crews will be deployed across the area to assess the extent of damage, which officials said could take several days. 

Thousands without power across Illinois, Indiana   ComEd officials provided an update on Friday morning on the storm restoration efforts following the back-to-back storms.  ComEd said the 80 miles per hour winds had the biggest impact on their service area. Officials said nearly 3,000 employees have been working to restore power.  “Our crews are working as fast as possible to get you back online,” ComEd officials said.  ComEd’s chief operating officer said Wednesday’s storm affected around 550,000 customers. It is estmated 80% of those outages have been restored and the rest should be complete by Saturday at 11 p.m. The second round of storms on Thursday night impacted some of the same customers. Around 150,000 customers were impacted, and 70,000 have had their power restored. 

ComEd expects to restore power to the majority of its customers by Sunday.  Customers can check for alerts on the ComEd website.   As of 11 a.m. on Friday, nearly 62,000 NIPSCO customers in Indiana were without power. NIPSCO.  Gary, Dyer, and Chesterton are among the areas in Indiana most impacted by the outages. NIPSCO had to shut off power to most of the city on Thursday night.  NIPSCO customers can report outages here.  Cleanup continues after destructive tornadoes  Cleanup for the extensive damage stretching from the western suburbs to northwest Indiana is underway for the areas hit hardest.    In Streator, Illinois, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago, multiple houses were completely destroyed after a tornado touched down. Trees were shredded and came crashing down on cars and roofs.  There’s a lot of hard work ahead for cleanup and repairs, but after two days of storms, and a slew of tornadoes, Friday provided calm sunny weather as cleanup efforts began in Streator.

Several homes were destroyed, multiple cars were heavily damaged, and debris was scattered across the city after the storms ripped through. Many damaged homes will have to be torn down and rebuilt. At one home in Streator, police officers, neighbors, and a video journalist following the storms helped rescue a man pinned under debris after the house collapsed. The man suffered a broken leg and will require surgery, but otherwise will be okay. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported from Thursday’s storms in Illinois. Extensive damage also was reported in Bridgeview, Illinois, where trees were uprooted, and telephone poles snapped.  The fire chief said two apartment buildings were evacuated, and residents are taking refuge at the Bridgeview Village Hall.  The National Weather Service will be conducting a survey in Bridgeview on Friday. 

Overnight, officials in Merrillville, Indiana, warned residents of road closures in the downtown area due to downed trees and power lines. Officials said a command center was established near 61st and Cleveland streets.  “Please stay clear of any fallen utility lines or damaged utility poles as these pose a serious safety risk,” officials said.  A resident told CBS News Chicago he lost his gazebo and backyard area. “As you can see, it’s all collapsed.”  The Andrean High School campus in Merrillville will remain closed on Friday due to significant damage.  “There are active power lines, downed trees, broken glass, significant roof damage, etc., that make it unsafe,” school officials said in a Facebook post. “While we assess the damage, mitigate safety risk, and determine next steps, we ask that you please stay away from campus until we provide an update.”  Gerado Regalado, his wife, and two daughters were home at the time the storm hit in Merrillville. The storm ripped off their roof, and left barely any walls standing as they took cover. Everything inside the house was damaged, but he’s counting his blessings that his family is safe.

“We can make it again or get another one, but my daughter’s life is more important than mine, you know? It’s hard,” Regalado said. Zachary Van Drunen’s church members helped pick up tree limbs and debris out of his yard in Merrillville. Van Drunen said the wind was a lot stronger than normal. “As soon as we walked through the door, the biggest tree in my yard fell exactly where I was standing. Two seconds later, and we’d be having a completely different conversation right now,” he said. He lives right next door to Harold Curtis. He, his wife, and daughter were also home when the storm came through. They were headed to the basement when Curtis said he felt a strong gust of wind. “As I shut the door behind me to go downstairs, it’s like you felt the wind blow right in, and like in 15 seconds it was over,” Curtis said.

In nearby Hebron, Indiana, residents woke up to a destroyed town on Friday morning. Hebron resident Beth Bowen told CBS News Chicago that when she got out of her house safely, she found her garage had collapsed.  She said it sounded like “train.”  “We felt the pressure, our ears were popping, we thought the doors were going to blow over in our laundry room, it was shaking so bad,” Bowen said. “We felt the house move.”  Professional storm chaser Gabe Cox followed Thursday’s tornadoes for hours as the storms hit multiple communities, including Hebron. He said he counted at least eight separate tornadoes on his own in Illinois and Indiana, and there were more that he couldn’t get to. “This was the most significant tornado outbreak I have ever covered personally,” he said. “To see eight significant tornadoes back to back over the course of four hours, I’ve never experienced that before in my 10 years as a professional, 20 years of storm chasing.” Cox said he’s still processing what he saw and experienced during the storms.

“Honestly, you know, with storm chasing, it’s a range of emotions. There’s the excitement of it, of course. You’re seeing something just phenomenal that most people don’t get to see. Then there’s the reality of what it does, and ending the chase in Hebron last night brought that reality full scale, and so my heart sank. I feel bad for those people. I’m so thankful that they are okay, and not a scratch on them. Obviously, there’s a lot of cleanup to be done, and these people are going to need a lot of help.” In Bartlett, Illinois, a BP gas station had 18 pumps ripped out of the ground from the force of the tornado that hit on Thursday, and debris from the gas station was blown into the parking lot of a nearby Wendy’s. Surveillance video captured the moment the gas pumps toppled to the ground. Garbage cans and debris also could be seen swirling around a parked car. Sources said the driver inside wanted to beat the storm, but stayed put when rain started falling.

Debris from the gas station could be found as far away as a strip mall across the street. The gas station owner said he hopes to have the pumps replaced and the gas station back in operation within the next two weeks. Employees at the nearby Wendy’s were cleaning up for the night when the storm blew through. “I was in the bathroom, and out of nowhere, you just hear a gust of wind, and then it grows stronger and stronger and stronger, and then out of nowhere, you just hear booms, and everything breaks. The store vibrating, and then you get out, you really see the tornado from the window coming this way, and you could hear the branch fall,” Jaden Cordero said. “We were in the tornado.” Thankfully, no one was injured.

Source: National Weather Service confirms multiple tornadoes with Streator, Merrillville among hardest hit areas – CBS Chicago

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1

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EF-3 tornado ripped through North Texas town, causing damage and injuries, officials say

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destroyed village cottages and uprooted trees after tornado

A powerful storm ripped through the North Texas city of Mineral Wells Tuesday evening and caused serious damage, authorities said. Mineral Wells is located about 45 miles west of Fort Worth. The storm appeared to have blown through an industrial park, shredding buildings, ripping apart roofs and scattering debris across the area. Metal was wrapped around poles and an HVAC plant was heavily damaged, but employees had been sent home ahead of the storm.

Mayor Regan Johnson confirmed two major manufacturers were impacted, though there wasn’t an estimate yet as to how many employees would face job displacement. Debris, downed trees, and leaning power lines littered the area. First responders continued to assess the damage overnight.      City officials said Tuesday night that several people were injured and two were brought to Palo Pinto General Hospital, but no critical injuries or deaths were reported. Officials affirmed this in an update shared Wednesday morning in a press conference, noting that three more people who were hurt were also brought to a hospital via private vehicle.  Mineral Wells Fire Chief Ryan Dunn also said on Wednesday that several other people who were hurt refused transport to the hospital. Dunn said one of the patients taken to the hospital via ambulance faced a traumatic injury; the other faced a medical issue.

The National Weather Service gave the tornado that hit Mineral Wells a rating of EF-3 with peak estimated winds of 145 mph. Officials said other parts of the community, including nearby neighborhoods, were also impacted. Police Chief Tim Dennison said Oncor estimated about 2,200 customers were without power as of Wednesday morning, with that number including both residential and business customers. City officials said curfew has been put in place for the Fort Wolters area via a Declaration of Emergency Powers.

Those areas include the following locations: Energy Avenue (Country Club Estates) to the west US Highway 180 to the south Washington Avenue to the east Armstead Drive to the north The curfew was in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday night through 6 a.m. Wednesday, and will now occur nightly from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. until further notice.

Source: EF-3 tornado ripped through North Texas town, causing damage and injuries, officials say – CBS Texas

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
Psalm 86:5

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North Texas storms spawn multiple tornadoes, injure several and cause widespread damage

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dramatic view of village houses damaged by thunderstorm

Powerful storms, hail up to softball size and multiple tornadoes tore through North Texas on Tuesday, causing serious damage, injuries and widespread power outages. As of Wednesday, nine tornadoes occurred in North Texas between Saturday and Tuesday night.  Tuesday, there was an EF-3 tornado in Mineral Wells with winds up to 145 mph, three tornadoes in Johnson County, an EF-U tornado in Montague County, 70 hail reports, with hail as big as just below the size of a softball, and seven damaging wind reports.  There were also tornado warnings south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where the NWS will analyze damage as well.

In Mineral Wells, several people were injured. The Mineral Wells storm blew through an industrial park, shredding buildings, ripping apart roofs and scattering debris across the area. Metal was wrapped around poles and an HVAC plant was heavily damaged, but employees had been sent home ahead of the storm. Debris, downed trees, and leaning power lines littered the area. Officials said other parts of the community, including nearby neighborhoods, were also impacted. This comes just days after at least two people died after devastating weekend storms. Saturday storms generated more than 100 reports, ranging from baseball‑size hail to 90‑plus‑mph wind gusts and multiple high‑water rescues across the metroplex.

Preliminary data from the National Weather Service shows an EF‑1 that struck Springtown in Parker County with winds of 105 mph and the night’s strongest tornado – an EF‑2 – that hit Runaway Bay in Wise County with winds estimated at 135 mph. Jack County also withstood EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes.

Source: North Texas storms spawn multiple tornadoes, injure several and cause widespread damage – CBS Texas

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

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Baseball-sized hail, damaging winds possible across North Texas amid severe weather threat Tuesday

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Tornado with debris and hail hitting a residential neighborhood with damaged houses and vehicles

The two main threats are wind and very large hail, with the possibility of an isolated tornado. Tuesday starts cloudy, warm and breezy, with temperatures in the 70s. Areas of fog are possible for the morning commute.

But it will once again be a busy afternoon with severe storms as a dry line and a cold front increase the potential for severe weather, prompting a First Alert Weather Day.

The timing of Tuesday’s storms will be between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., with 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. being the most likely timeframe for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. 

Source: Baseball-sized hail, damaging winds possible across North Texas amid severe weather threat Tuesday – CBS Texas

Tornadoes touch down in California’s Central Valley near Fresno, National Weather Service confirms

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Large tornado touching down on flat farmland with dark storm clouds overhead and a distant farmhouse

The National Weather Service has confirmed reports of multiple tornadoes that touched down in California’s Central Valley on Tuesday, as a powerful spring storm passed through the region. According to the agency’s Hanford office, two tornadoes touched down in Fresno County, while a third tornado touched down in Merced County. Meteorologists said the first tornado touched down 2.5 miles southeast of the community of Biola in Fresno County around 2:10 p.m.

The EF0 tornado had an estimated peak wind of 70 mph and lasted for about two minutes. Around the same time, the weather service issued multiple tornado warnings for areas north of Fresno. According to Fresno CBS affiliate KGPE-TV, school districts in the area issued shelter-in-place orders when the warnings were in effect.   A second tornado in Fresno County was reported shortly before 5:10 p.m. about 8.5 miles northeast of the city of Clovis. The tornado covered two miles and lasted for about seven minutes “Damage assessment team reported snapped and uprooted trees consistent with EF1 damage from tornado around 5:24PM PDT,” the agency’s Storm Prediction Center said in a statement.

Source: Tornadoes touch down in California’s Central Valley near Fresno, National Weather Service confirms – CBS San Francisco

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:5

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Tornado roars through Enid, Oklahoma, destroys homes, forces Air Force base to close

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chopped down trees in middle of green suburban settlement

A powerful tornado in Oklahoma on Thursday ripped roofs off buildings, destroyed homes, knocked down power poles and forced an Air Force base to close. The confirmed tornado moved across parts of Enid, a city of about 50,000 people in Garfield County near the state’s northern border, according to the National Weather Service. Videos posted online show a rapidly rotating column of air touching down, along with totaled homes.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities and only minor injuries hours after the tornado passed through, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities were going door-to-door in some neighborhoods to check on residents. Overnight, the office said on social media that its phone lines were down because of tornado damage and told residents to call 911 if they had an emergency.

Source: Tornado roars through Enid, Oklahoma, destroys homes, forces Air Force base to close – CBS News

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:24

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Illinois surpasses 100 tornadoes for fourth year in a row

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dramatic lightning over palmas brazil

Severe weather season has been off to a very active start in Illinois, with everything from flooding, hail, and damaging winds – and more than 100 tornadoes statewide. As of April 22, the preliminary count for tornadoes across the state of Illinois stands at 101 and counting, easily leading the entire country by far. That’s nearly double the annual average of 54 tornadoes in Illinois. With our severe weather season just getting started and lasting through September, that number has the chance to go up.

The typical count for tornadoes per year across Illinois is 54, so we already nearly doubled that. As of April 19, there have been at least 20 tornadoes in the National Weather Service Chicago forecast area, which includes parts of northwest Indiana. The typical number for that forecast area is between 10 to 20 tornadoes per year.

  • March 10th An EF-0 tornado north of Pontiac, IL.
  • An EF-U tornado near Cayuga, IL (midway between Pontiac and Odell).
  • An EF-U tornado in Kankakee Township. This brief tornado occurred prior to the start of the Kankakee-Roselawn
  • EF-3 tornado. An EF-U tornado in Otto Township. This brief tornado lifted just before the start of the Kankakee-Roselawn EF-3 tornado. 
  • An EF-3 tornado that tracked through southern Kankakee and Aroma Park in Illinois and Lake Village and Roselawn in Indiana before ending west of DeMotte, IN.
  • An EF-1 satellite tornado just southwest of Sun River Terrace. This was a southward-moving satellite tornado associated with the Kankakee-Roselawn EF-3 tornado. 
  • An EF-U tornado immediately south of Sun River Terrace. This was a brief satellite tornado associated with the Kankakee-Roselawn EF-3 tornado.
  • An EF-U tornado in southeastern Ganeer Township, southeast of Sun River Terrace. This was another brief satellite tornado associated with the Kankakee-Roselawn EF-3 tornado.
  • An EF-U tornado in Momence Township, north of Hopkins Park. This was an anticyclonic satellite tornado that initially moved north, stopped, then tracked south before ending very near its starting location.
  • An EF-1 tornado that tracked from southwest of Wheatfield to near Dunns Bridge, IN.
  • April 2nd EF-1 near Palmyra and Woosung in northwest Lee County. 
  • EF-1 in Pine Creek Township in southern Ogle County. 
  • EF-0 in Holcomb in northeast Ogle County. 
  • April 17th EF-U in Pecatonica
  • EF-1 in Harrison EF-1 in Roscoe
  • EF-1 in Gibson City
  • EF-1 near Loda and Buckley
  • EF-2 in Darrow
  • EF-1 in Kentland, Indiana

Source: Illinois surpasses 100 tornadoes for fourth year in a row – CBS Chicago

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

A hundred homes damaged, 1 injured in Friday’s 26 tornado outbreak

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Large tornado funnel cloud touching the ground in a flat field under dark stormy skies

Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a “significant tornado outbreak” across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday. The National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wisconsin, said it issued 26 tornado warnings during the outbreak, the most for a single day since the office opened in 1995. “The most tornadoes occurred locally north of Interstate 90 in southeast Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin,” the NWS said. A tornado that touched down in Olmsted County, Minnesota, around 2:17 p.m. was rated an EF2, according to the NWS, with wind speeds peaking around 130 mph. That tornado was on the ground for about 14 minutes, traveled about 10 miles and damaged “numerous homes and farms,” the NWS said.

Source: A hundred homes damaged, 1 injured in Friday tornado outbreak, NWS in Wisconsin says – CBS Minnesota

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:23-24

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Ninth tornado confirmed in Michigan from midweek severe weather outbreak

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rain clouds over rural field

The National Weather Service has confirmed a ninth tornado out of the severe weather outbreak that hit Michigan late Tuesday night into early Wednesday.  The newest tornado added to the list happened early Wednesday in Branch County, near Coldwater, according to CBS News Detroit chief meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey. The National Weather Service bureau in Northern Indiana, whose coverage area includes part of Southwest Michigan, made that report Thursday.  The intensity of the Branch County tornado is still under review. 

The list from the NWS bureaus whose territories include Michigan counties is now as follows: 

  • EF-0 in Southeast Allegan County.  
  • EF-1 in Southeast Allegan County.  
  • EF-1 in Montcalm County that ended in Gratiot County.  
  • EF-1 in Saginaw County. 
  • EF-0 in Saginaw County. 
  • EF-0 in Shiawassee County. 
  • TBD in Branch County. 
  • EF-1 in Washtenaw County. 
  • EF-1 in Wayne County. 

The one in Branch County occurred about an hour before the storms reached Metro Detroit, Bajjey said.  This now brings the total number of tornadoes during 2026 in Michigan to 14. There were three tornadoes in Southwest Michigan on March 6 and another in Wayne County on April 4.   

Source: Ninth tornado confirmed in Michigan from midweek severe weather outbreak – CBS Detroit

You, O LORD, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation.
Lamentations 5:19

Recovery efforts underway after reported tornado in Lena, Illinois causes extensive damage

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destroyed cottages in countryside after massive storm

Recovery efforts are underway on Saturday after a tornado touchdown has been reported in Lena, Illinois, about 48 miles west of Rockford. The tornado was part of a massive storm system that is barreling toward Chicago Friday afternoon. A tornado warning was issued for Lena at 4:45 p.m. CT, the National Weather Service said. Video from a livestream in Lena shows the massive, rotating storm descending on the town. There is extensive damage in the storm’s wake, according to public officials. The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media, asking people to avoid going to Lena at all. 

“There is no way to get into town due to trees and wires down,” the post said. “Emergency Services are assisting people per Sheriff Stovall.” The sheriff’s office said no deaths or serious injuries have been reported from the tornado. “We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury,” Sheriff Steve Stovall said in a statement. “Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of our residents, securing the affected areas, and supporting the Village of Lena as recovery efforts move forward.”  

Source: Recovery efforts underway after reported tornado in Lena, Illinois causes extensive damage – CBS Chicago

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Maps show more severe storms forecast for central U.S. after days of tornadoes, flooding

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red and white windsock against clear blue sky

The threat of strong tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding is returning to the central U.S. Friday evening into the start of the weekend — after a brief break in intensity, forecasters say. More than 51 million people are under the threat of severe weather Friday evening from Texas to Wisconsin, and most of the storms will occur in the afternoon and evening hours. The forecast comes as communities are still cleaning up from tornadoes that struck earlier in the week.  Severe thunderstorms are forecast from Texas to the Northeast overnight, and for the central US. and Midwest on Friday, says the National Weather Service. Maps show severe weather, tornado forecast for Friday The Upper Mississippi Valley — spanning parts of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin — will have “the best chance for strong tornadoes,” while parts of the central U.S. and Midwest will have “the best chance for very large hail,” the weather service said Friday.  This map shows the potential for severe weather Friday spanning from the U.S.-Mexico border up to Canada, touching states from Texas to Michigan:

Source: Maps show more severe storms forecast for central U.S. after days of tornadoes, flooding – CBS News

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
Psalm 103:17-18

Michigan Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency for 32 counties following storms

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dramatic thunderstorm with lightning strike

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for 32 counties after overnight Tuesday storms caused significant damage and resulted in tornadoes. The counties under the state of emergency are Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Wexford. 

“Significant snowmelt, record rain, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes have damaged homes, roads, and businesses. This emergency declaration will help the state deploy additional resources to help local officials and first responders protect Michiganders and their property,” Whitmer said in a statement. “The state will continue to coordinate with local governments and monitor the situation. I encourage everyone to stay updated and follow guidance from your local emergency manager. We will get through this together.”    This is the second state of emergency that Whitmer has declared in the last week. On April 10, the governor declared a state of emergency in Cheboygan County due to rising water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Additionally, Whitmer expanded the State Emergency Operations Center for statewide weather-related matters. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service confirmed that at least five tornadoes touched down in Michigan. The EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes were located in Allegan, Montcalm and Saginaw counties, which are under the latest state of emergency.

Source: Michigan Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency for 32 counties following storms – CBS Detroit

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Storm chaser captures video of tornado in southern Minnesota

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cloudscape with gray storm clouds

Most people run to their basement during severe weather, but Melanie Metz instead runs toward the storm. The National Weather Service confirms three tornadoes hit southern Minnesota Monday night in Amboy, Matawan and Elmore. That’s on top of dozens of hail reports and even some gusts of wind nearing 60 MPH in southern parts of the state.  The weather allowed Champlin based meteorologist and storm chaser Metz to capture some seriously captivating footage. Metz has been chasing storms for 25 years. “I can’t believe it, honestly. I mean, that’s a long time when I started chasing it was before we even had smartphones, so I couldn’t see radar when I was on the road.

It’s been a long time,” she said. Monday night, her vantage point was from Truman, Minnesota — near Fairmont. She met up with a fellow meteorologist and friend to stake out the storm. She captured some incredible videos, including one which depicted an intact, super cell tornado. Metz believes it the tornado NWS pegged in Amboy.  “We ended up chasing this storm for quite a while until it finally started to organize and became a supercell and produced a couple of tornadoes right in front of us,” she said. Metz says the chase is thrilling, fascinating and combines her love of storms and photography. But—it’s not something to try without experience.

Source: Storm chaser captures video of tornado in southern Minnesota – CBS Minnesota

And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— “The LORD is one,” And His name one.
Zechariah 14:9

Severe weather causes damage to Ann Arbor school buildings, power outages, flooded roads

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city of rochester at sunset

Tornado sirens, cell phone alerts, high winds and pounding rain woke up Michigan residents as severe weather pushed through the state overnight Tuesday.  The storms were part of a massive system that has already resulted in suspected tornadoes along with flooding in the Midwest and Great Lakes region, and will continue for at least another day.  History of the storms  All of Lower Southern Michigan was under a tornado watch at some point Tuesday night and early Wednesday.

The tornado watch for Southeast Michigan was posted shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday and was to be in effect through 4 a.m. Wednesday.  Tornado warnings in Southwest and Mid-Michigan were popping up through the late evening.   The first overnight tornado warning in Metro Detroit was issued for Washtenaw County, and storm damage has been reported in the Ann Arbor area. From there, tornado warnings were issued for Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne counties before the storms moved to Ontario and Lake Erie. There were also multiple severe thunderstorm warnings issued overnight in the region.

Source: Severe weather causes damage to Ann Arbor school buildings, power outages, flooded roads – CBS Detroit

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13

Tornado touches down in Northern California, no damage reported, officials say

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dramatic thunderstorm over south african landscape

A tornado briefly touched down in Northern California Sunday afternoon as high winds and thunderstorms continued, officials said. The National Weather Service said the tornado happened at about 2:05 p.m. in an unpopulated area of Tehama County, located about four miles southeast of Vina. Weather officials said this area is rural grassland. The preliminary determination is that it was an EF-U tornado that touched down for about one minute. Officials say wind gusts, path width and length are unknown.  Maritza Arreola captured a video in the area of Highway 99 and Hamilton Nord Cana Highway. 

Maritza Arreola Officials added that there has not been any damage or injuries reported. Based on video the NWS viewed, it says no structures were impacted and that a damage survey team will not be sent to the area.  This all plays into the EF-U rating, which is when the tornado has an unknown strength. Since there is no damage to survey, officials would not be able to assign a rating, officials said. If there is damage reported, officials will further evaluate the tornado.  Radar aligned with the NWS video, which indicated a storm cell with rotation.  A Tornado Warning was issued around the time the tornado touched down. Earlier this week, down in the San Joaquin County area, a Tornado Warning was issued, but there were no reports of a tornado.  California averages about nine tornadoes a year, but they usually are rated EF-U to EF-1 and happen in the Central Valley. 

Source: Tornado touches down in Northern California, no damage reported, officials say – CBS Sacramento

The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
Proverbs 11:25

3 tornadoes hit central Georgia, damaging homes and injuring two people

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Three tornadoes tore through parts of central Georgia early Thursday, damaging homes, toppling trees and leaving at least two people injured, according to the National Weather Service.

Source: 3 tornadoes hit central Georgia, damaging homes and injuring two people – CBS Atlanta

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Important (Buried) News Stories: April 15–22, 2026

While the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, Trump administration statements, and related global fallout dominated headlines and social media, several significant developments received far less attention. These stories—drawn from economic warnings, political shifts, humanitarian data, and legal rulings—highlight under-the-radar impacts on global stability, U.S. policy, and long-term consequences. Here’s a roundup of the most notable…

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Rescued Mountain lion cub at Oakland Zoo becomes fan favorite online

Inside a small enclosure lined with blankets and surrounded by at least two dozen stuffed animals, 5-week-old Crimson bats and tumbles. Then, he drops low, giving a quick pre-pounce shimmy before springing at his next “victim,” a fuzzy purple dinosaur with yellow hair. “These toys are a temporary replacement for the siblings he unfortunately doesn’t…

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Bike Owner Can’t Believe What a Stranger Has Tied to the Center Bar

A cyclist was left baffled after returning to their bike to discover a mysterious surprise tied to the center bar. The photo, which quickly went viral on Reddit, shows a close‑up of a blue bicycle frame with a plastic bag knotted securely around it, racking up 23,000 upvotes in less than 24 hours. The April…

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Messy homes are ruining Americans’ free time: survey

In the past three months, the average American has missed out on two fun events, avoided hosting guests twice, and had two arguments in their household due to their home’s messy state. According to a new survey of 2,000 nationally representative Americans, the stress of needing to clean their home before they can relax is…

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Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members

Nearly 490 alleged members of the powerful Central American gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), including several alleged leaders, went on trial collectively in El Salvador on Monday, accused of thousands of murders. El Salvador is conducting mass trials of thousands of suspected gang members, many of whom have spent years in prison without charge or visiting…

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Redwood City police warn neighborhood of “aggressive” coyotes

Police in Redwood City issued a warning to residents of a neighborhood Monday morning, after coyotes were spotted in the area. Around 9:50 a.m., police said they were responding to an incident involving “aggressive coyotes” in the Redwood Shores neighborhood. According to officers, the animals were seen on the 1000 block of Rockport Avenue and…

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Justice Behind Closed Doors in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that exempts all three branches of state government; legislature, governor’s office, and judiciary from its public records law. That became an issue in 2023 when anonymous letters began to be received by defense attorneys whose clients had been convicted in criminal cases heard in the Bristol County…

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Live Tornado Tracker Map | Real-Time Tornado Warning Alerts

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a wheat field under a stormy sky

Live Tornado Tracker

Real-time tornado warning tracking system using official National Weather Service (NWS) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) data. Stay informed about active tornado warnings across the United States and Canada.

Source: Live Tornado Tracker Map | Real-Time Tornado Warning Alerts

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17

Psalm 1:1–3

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not…

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Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. This verse reminds believers that our words have the power to either build up or tear down. God calls us to speak in ways that…

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5 Sneaky Lies Your Anxiety Tells You Are True

In The Lord of the Rings, King Theoden becomes enfeebled by listening to the words of Wormtongue, his advisor. These lies poison the mind of the King of Rohan and keep him from being a threat to the evil wizard Saruman. Only when the lies of Wormtongue are exposed by Gandalf the White is Theoden…

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Lynx Caught on Video in Northern Minnesota

They captured a lot of really neat lynx footage this past fall and winter! They are just such ethereal looking creatures, and its always a highlight when they get footage of them, especially in the daylight. They were going to make a video sharing their best lynx footage from the fall and winter but the…

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1 dead after small plane crashes into Florida yard

A small plane crashed Sunday in the yard of a home near Tampa, Florida, killing one person, authorities said. The crash sparked a fire on the property, and the residence itself “sustained some damage,” said Sarah Andeara, the Pasco County public information officer, in a statement that CBS affiliate WTSP shared with CBS News. Pasco County…

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Rep. Luna said it is time to “take out the trash” as congressmen resign due to accusations

Declaring its time “to take out the trash,” Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna said there needs to be a continued reckoning through the halls of Congress, past the resignations of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Look, I think that a lot of these members were by their own admission, guilty of…

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Multiple people shot at Howe Community Park in Sacramento County

Deputies are investigating after multiple people were shot at a park in the Arden-Arcade area on Saturday evening, officials said. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said it received reports around 6:30 p.m. of individuals at Howe Community Park possibly carrying concealed weapons, followed by another call about a potential fight and people running from the…

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8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, police say

Eight children and teens were killed early Sunday in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, authorities said. The suspected shooter is also dead, according to police. Ten people were struck by gunfire in all, Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon said at a news conference. He described the incident as “domestic in nature” and said…

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Major earthquake off Japan’s north coast prompts tsunami alert

Tokyo — A powerful earthquake struck off the northern Japanese coast Monday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami alert in the region. The quake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 occurred off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan at around 4:53 p.m. (2:53 a.m. Eastern on Sunday), at a depth…

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