According to Aon Group, the ongoing severe weather outbreak from April 23 to 29 severely impacted much of the central and southern United States, with total economic and insured losses expected to reach billions of dollars.
Large hail, high winds and damaging tornadoes were recorded. North Texas and the Midwest were hit hard by tornadoes and strong straight-line winds, respectively. In addition, severe storms and heavy rainfall affected much of Michigan, resulting in a state of emergency in Michigan.
The first phase of severe storms occurred from April 23 to 25, mainly across Oklahoma and Texas. The most powerful tornado hit Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24-25, and was rated an EF4 by the National Weather Service, causing significant structural damage throughout the city, including to Vance Air Force Base.
On April 25, severe storms caused multiple tornadoes in North Texas. In Wise County, an EF2 tornado with maximum winds of about 130 mph (209 km/h) damaged several homes. One death has been confirmed and at least six people have been taken to hospital. About 20 families were displaced and a state of disaster was declared. Hail up to 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter was also recorded.
In Park County, an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 105 mph (169 kph) killed another person and prompted more than 70 emergency calls.
On April 27, severe storms swept through the Midwest, and tornado warnings were issued in many places in the St. Louis metropolitan area and Illinois. Confirmed tornadoes were reported near Germantown, Illinois, and Hanover, Arkansas. Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph (97 km/h) were common and rainfall totals up to 3 inches (76 mm) resulted in flash flooding in Kansas City and numerous water rescues.
“Low tide” in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio also caused numerous downed trees and power lines, causing property damage. A total of more than 260,000 customers were without power in six states. One person was confirmed dead in Kent County, Michigan, and another was injured in Kalamazoo.
On April 28, severe storms hit Mineral Wells, Texas, including an EF3 tornado that destroyed residential and industrial areas. House roofs were torn off and at least one manufacturing facility suffered structural damage. Two people were injured and a state of disaster was declared.
Further south, in Johnson County, hail up to 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters) in diameter was recorded, breaking windows and causing structural damage.
A 3-4 inch (7.6-10.2 cm) hailstorm moved through Greene and Lawrence counties, causing extensive vehicle and structural damage in the Springfield area. Springfield-Branson National Airport was severely impacted, with large hail damaging property and hundreds of vehicles, including a rental fleet. Multiple enclosures at Dickson Park Zoo were damaged by hail, leading to a temporary closure. Nearby Fairgrove High School also suffered extensive damage to its windows.
In addition to severe weather, heavy rainfall is causing severe river and inland flooding in Michigan. Drainage systems were overwhelmed, leading 41 counties to declare a state of emergency.
“Much of the widespread damage over the past week can be attributed to multiple devastating tornadoes, widespread straight-line winds and large hail, particularly in southwestern Missouri and Texas,” Aon said. “Total economic and insured losses are expected to be in the billions of dollars throughout the severe weather outbreak from April 23 to 29. Damage assessments are ongoing in all affected states and total losses are likely to be revised upward as additional investigations are completed.”