When a warning is issued, take action. This means tornado conditions are imminent and have been spotted either by someone on the ground or by radar. Warning areas are typically smaller than those within a watch and are issued for a shorter time period, typically about 15 minutes.

People in the warning areas are urged to seek shelter inside a sturdy building and stay away from windows until the threat is over.

While most of the damage was likely caused by harsh, straight-line winds, they will be checking to see if tornadoes may have touched down.

Watches typically cover extensive areas, sometimes spanning multiple counties or states, and can remain in effect for several hours. During a watch, it's advisable to stay vigilant, monitor weather updates, and be prepared to seek shelter if conditions deteriorate.

A tornado that struck Pilot Grove early Wednesday morning was one of dozens of confirmed twisters connected to an extensive storm system over the central US. The storm will linger for several days and could produce more severe storms and historic flooding into the weekend.

The highest threat is expected Wednesday evening and overnight, with damaging wind gusts of over 70 mph, large hail, and tornadoes all possible. The southwestern part of the area faces a heightened risk for large hail and tornadoes, with a greater than 10% chance of a significant tornado (EF2 or higher) impacting the area.

Tornadoes are sweeping across areas of the South and Midwest of the United States, leaving a trail of destruction and tens of thousands of homes without power. Flash flooding is expected to follow the violent storms as the National Weather Service warns of a threat to life.

The National Weather Service issued 10 tornado warnings in Southeast Missouri on April 2, with one EF-2 tornado confirmed. The storm caused structural damage but no injuries were reported.

On Thursday at 4:59 p.m. an updated tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 5:30 p.m. for Lauderdale County.

This could lead to widespread flooding. Southern Indiana is potentially experiencing double-digit rainfall through the weekend. A flood warning remained in effect early Thursday. Start the day smarter.