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'Roughest landing': Watch video of plane bouncing off runway as it attempts to land at LAX

A Boeing 747 operated by Lufthansa Airlines ran into a couple of bumps as it landed at LAX Airport in Los Angeles.

Video footage of the landing, captured by Airlines Videos Live , shows the aircraft skidding on the runway and then bouncing off the ground as it attempts to land. The plane then takes off again, flying for a few minutes before successfully landing.

"What? Whoa, whoa, whoa," the commentator of the livestream could be heard saying. "We're getting that go around. Holy moly. Wow. That is the roughest landing I think we've ever caught on our broadcast."

A Boeing 747-8 Lufthansa flight was scheduled to land around 1 p.m. ET at LAX after a more than 11-hour flight from Frankfurt, Germany, LAX's website shows.

Columnist: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

No injuries reported

Lufthansa Airlines, in an email statement to USA TODAY, said that Flight LH 456 from Frankfurt to Los Angeles had a "rough landing" Tuesday. 326 passengers and 19 crew members were on board the flight and no injuries were reported.

The airline said the plane later flew back to Frankfurt following "an assessment by the cockpit crew, a consultation with the technical department on site and in Frankfurt and an initial visual inspection," where it will undergo further inspection. Lufthansa did not specify if the plane flew back empty or had passengers on board.

Airline Videos Live captures planes as they take off and land at LAX Airport. The livestream was created in 2019 by Los Angeles TV News photojournalist Kevin Ray, according to the YouTube channel account description .

While Boeing incidents have been in the news in recent months after a series of high-profile incidents , aviation experts maintain you shouldn't worry about flying .

“We don’t have to worry that there’s something systemically wrong with aviation,” Clint Balog, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, previously told USA TODAY.

Contributing: Staff, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

Life.Style.Live!

Live, laugh, love at the middle ground comedy festival 2024, middle ground comedy festival 2024.

Get ready to laugh your socks off as the Middle Ground Comedy Festival returns to Indianapolis from April 25th to 28th.

Now in its second year, this four-day event promises humor and entertainment across multiple venues in the city.

Attendees can expect a diverse lineup featuring 13 standup comedy shows and 2 live podcast recordings, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s comedic taste.

The festival’s lineup of headliners are no strangers to the comedy scene.

From Al Jackson, known for his appearances on “The Bob & Tom Show” and “The Daily Blast Live,” to the hilarious antics of Lucas Waterfill, crowned the 2021 Funniest Person in Indiana and featured on Amazon Prime Video, audiences are in for a treat.

Joining them are comedy heavyweights like Tom Thakkar, gracing stages on CONAN and The Tonight Show, and Lace Larrabee.

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy lover or simply looking for a night of lighthearted fun, this festival is not to be missed.

Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and prepare for a comedy experience that’ll leave you grinning all night!

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Welcome to Live Grounded™ Travel – where your next wellness journey awaits. We are scouring the globe to find spas and resorts that offer mind · body · spirit wellness, farm-fresh foods served either on your plate or within your spa services, or unforgettable excursions into nature or culture. All are selected or experienced first-hand by our Founder Mary Blackmon.

Let’s start exploring your ‘wellness wishes!’

Our sneak peak into wellness, culture, and authenticity at Cartesiano 360 .

Whether you’re wanting to immerse yourself in wellness, steep yourself in culture or escape into a world of authentic mind•body•spirit offerings, this is a place we wholeheartedly recommend!

I’m Mary Blackmon, and to me, “living grounded” means living a life that prioritizes your overall mind•body•spirit wellness! You’ll find a wide variety of properties here that will offer a range of wellness or spa services, farm-fresh foods – whether featured on the plate or  within the spa services, and many offer inspiring, breath-taking excursions! I encourage you to explore these hand-selected properties that will make all of your ‘wellness wishes’ come true, and I hope to remind you to … #LiveGrounded!

J.R.LIGGETT’S 

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LIVE: Death toll climbs to 4 after devastating tornadoes

Tornadoes and damaging thunderstorms blasting across the central United States, and will continue to threaten lives and property in more than a dozen states through the weekend.

Updated Apr. 28, 2024 5:39 PM PDT

Death toll climbs to 4 after devastating tornadoes

Apr. 28, 2024 4:36 PM PDT

At least four deaths, including a 4-month-old child in Oklahoma, have been confirmed in the wake of powerful tornadoes that ripped a heartbreaking path of destruction across the state Saturday night.

Daylight Sunday revealed a trail of incomprehensible devastation in the hard-hit town of Holdenville about 60 miles southeast of Oklahoma City where officials say four people were killed, including a baby, and several others injured.

“You just can’t believe the destruction,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Sunday. “It seems like every business downtown has been destroyed.”

Another 60 miles southwest of Holdenville, damage in the city of Sulpher is hard to fathom. “One person died from storm-related injuries at a sports bar in Sulphur that was hit by a tornado, officials said. At least 30 people were injured in Sulphur, including 20 who were at the sports bar, according to officials,”  ABC News reported .

Carolyn Goodman told the  Associated Press  she traveled to Sulphur trying to locate her former sister-in-law, who she believed was at a local bar when the tornado hit the area. “The bar was destroyed,” Goodman said. “I know they probably won’t find her alive ... but I hope she is still alive.”

About  9,000 Oklahoma  customers and  52,000 in Texas  were without power as of Sunday night as a result of the storms, according to  poweroutage.us . Gov. Stitt issued an  executive order on Sunday morning declaring a state of emergency  in Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties on Saturday. He also made plans to damage hard-hit areas on Sunday.

Severe thunderstorm risk to continue through end of weekend

By Monica Danielle, AccuWeather Managing Editor

Apr. 28, 2024 11:21 AM PDT

Between Thursday and Saturday,  over 550 reports of severe weather  were submitted across the central United States and the threat is not over. AccuWeather meteorologists continue to track the  ongoing outbreak of severe thunderstorms across the center of the nation . Sunday will be the final day of widespread severe weather before thunderstorm activity becomes more localized early in the week.

“The risk for severe weather will continue into a fourth day, Sunday, farther east toward the Mississippi Valley, ” AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. “ The threat of tornadoes appears to be lower, but instances of damaging winds and hail are still expected, especially across northeastern Texas, northern Louisiana, Arkansas and southern Missouri,”  he added.

Flash flooding is also a concern.  “Repeated rounds of heavy thunderstorms have resulted in instances of flash flooding over portions of the central Plains, Ozarks and mid-Mississippi Valley,” Buckingham noted adding,   “This threat will extend through the end of the weekend  as additional thunderstorm activity passes through the region.”

Heavy rain falling in short amounts of time can lead to additional flash flooding concerns, especially in the form of  ponding on highways and roadways leading to travel delays along portions of interstates 35, 40, 44 and 70.

A least 2 dead, including baby, after overnight tornadoes in Oklahoma

Apr. 28, 2024 9:55 AM PDT

Residents of Holdenville, Oklahoma, are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives this morning after  a violent suspected tornado Saturday night killed at least two people. One of the deaths was a 4-month-old baby,  local news affiliate  KOCO News 5 reported . Holdenville is about 60 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.

Another 60 miles southwest of Holdenville, damage in the city of Sulpher is hard to fathom. The footage below, shot by storm chaser Brandon Clement, shows homes reduced to rubble, cars tossed around, and trees shredded to stumps.

Damage from an intense tornado on April 27 was seen the morning after in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Video shows buildings collapsed, as well as vehicles thrown into debris along the roadside.

The search for more victims lasted into the morning hours, with Hughes County Emergency Management telling KOCO they worked through power outages and the emergency phone call system shutting down. As of Sunday morning, at least 37,000 customers are without power, according to  poweroutage.us .

“Over  200 reports of severe weather  were submitted on Saturday, spanning from Texas to Michigan. Out of those reports, there were  38 reported tornadoes,”  AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

In a  statement  released late Saturday night, the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management reported injuries and damage, including downed power lines in Carter County. Several homes and trees were damaged in the town of Devol in Cotton County. Damage and flooding have been reported across the state, and officials are urging residents impacted by the storms to report damages to their property at damage.ok.gov.  Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts.

AccuWeather’s Tony Laubach was driving on Interstate 35 in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, where severe storms caused a muddy mess on the highway on April 27. Road crews were busy clearing mud and debris.

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a statement early Sunday morning, saying, “My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night. Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage.” 

Cleanup begins after tornadoes, severe weather risk to linger through the weekend

Apr. 27, 2024 9:00 PM PDT

Two women help carry a friend's belongings out of their damaged home after a tornado passed through the area in Bennington, Neb., Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Josh Funk)

Residents spent Saturday sifting through what was left of their homes after a powerful tornado ripped through suburban Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, including the hard-hit town of Elkhorn.

People pick through the rubble of a house that was leveled in Elkhorn, Neb., on Saturday, April 27. Residents began sifting through the rubble after a tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, demolishing homes and businesses as it moved for miles through farmland and into subdivisions. (AP Photo/Nick Ingram)

The massive twister destroyed homes and businesses as it moved for miles through neighborhoods and fields before tearing through Minden, Iowa. Incredibly, no deaths have been reported.

Cleanup began for many parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska after tornadic severe storms blasted the region on April 26-27.

Tens of millions from central Texas to eastern Nebraska and Iowa will be at risk once again  from Sunday to Sunday night. Two moderate risk zones are being highlighted around cities like  Omaha , Nebraska, and  Little Rock , Arkansas, as places where the chances for robust storms is greater.

Localized damaging wind gusts of 55-65 mph will be possible with peak winds up to the AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 75 mph. Other s evere weather risks such as hail, intense downpours and isolated tornadoes are also a possibility.

Residents should stay vigilant when the risk for severe weather lasts into the overnight hours . Potent thunderstorms hidden under the cover of darkness, especially when there is an isolated tornado threat, can pose a greater risk to lives.

Tornado-producing storms erupt from Texas to Iowa

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist

Apr. 27, 2024 5:19 PM PDT

The next round of severe thunderstorms is well underway with s trong storms capable of producing tornadoes rumbling from northern Texas to southern Iowa  across an area spanning more than 700 miles.  The most intense storms are likely in Oklahoma and northern Texas, where three potent storms are ongoing . Each storm has a history of producing tornadoes. People in and around Wichita Falls, Texas, and Oklahoma City should monitor these storms closely, as well as any more that develop, as  the atmosphere in this region is primed to spin up intense, potentially long-tracked twisters through Saturday evening.

A snapshot of the radar around Oklahoma at 4 p.m. CDT on April 27, 2024. The two storms west of Witchita Falls, Texas, and the storm west of Oklahoma City were capable to producing tornadoes. (AccuWeather)

Storm chaser shows tennis-ball sized hail while tracking storms

Apr. 27, 2024 5:11 PM PDT

AccuWeather’s Tony Laubach reports from a hailstorm in Oklahoma and discusses the severe weather outlook for the rest of the weekend.

AccuWeather meteorologist Tony Laubach encountered  baseball-sized hail during a “pretty hefty hailstorm”  in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, about 100 miles north of Oklahoma City. “The hail was enough to wreck windshields, mine included,” Laubach said during a live report on the  AccuWeather Network  where he revealed his cracked windshield.

(Credit: Tony Laubach)

After seeing a number of people stopping their cars under overpasses, Laubach also reminded people not to do that. 

While it may seem like a good idea to seek shelter from hail under an overpass, it puts other motorists at risk because you’re blocking traffic as you wait for the storm to pass, preventing others from getting out of harm’s way. It reduces visibility for others and increases the potential for a bad accident.

If you encounter hail while driving, slow down and turn on your flashers. If you need to stop, make sure you pull all the way off the road.

'Particularly Dangerous Situation' Tornado Watch issued

By Jesse Ferrell, social media producer and meteorologist

Apr. 27, 2024 1:58 PM PDT

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" Tornado Watch for parts of Texas and Oklahoma early Saturday afternoon, saying that a few intense tornadoes are likely. The last PDS Tornado Watch was issued on March 31, 2023. Several tornado warnings had also been issued by lunch time CDT but no tornadoes had been reported yet.

Severe weather watches for northern Texas and Oklahoma on the afternoon of April 27, 2024. A "PDS" Tornado Watch is shown in bright red.

On Thursday, AccuWeather meteorologists marked another rare 'high' risk area for severe weather from south-central Oklahoma to east-central Kansas and the western border of Missouri for Saturday, outlining the area with the best prospects for destructive, widespread and dangerous storms.

VIDEO: Stunning destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska shows power of tornado

Apr. 27, 2024 12:34 PM PDT

Destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a massive tornado that tore through yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JxOAG3ryMD — AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 27, 2024

New video reveals the absolute devastation in hard-hit Elkhorn, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a  massive tornado that tore through  yesterday. Crews spent much of the night searching for anyone trapped or injured, local authorities said . Incredibly, no deaths have been reported.

Elkhorn resident Jason Sunday described the tornado as a “freight train,”  affiliate KETV  reported.

“We saw it coming from the southwest, and when it got too close for comfort, we headed downstairs quickly. We were in the downstairs bathtub, and it was just like the movie said, it was like a freight train,” Sunday told  KETV . “And you knew the roof was coming off because that was a loud pop and sucking motion. It was pretty scary.” The tornado caused severe damage to the Sunday family’s dream home to which they had just moved last month.

“We’re thankful to be alive. We’re very thankful,” Sunday added.

More than 35 million people brace for another round of violent storms on Saturday

AccuWeather’s Tony Laubach recalls several of the tornadoes he chased on April 26 and discusses the potential for more through the weekend.

Following a catastrophic day filled with tornadoes and intense storms across the Plains, AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the  pattern on Saturday can pose eerily similar threats .

At least 11 states will be within the danger zone for severe thunderstorms bringing large hail, flash flooding and tornadoes into Saturday night .

Similar to Friday, AccuWeather meteorologists have marked another rare ‘high’ risk for severe weather from south-central Oklahoma to east-central Kansas and the western border of Missouri for Saturday , outlining the area with the highest prospects for destructive, widespread, and dangerous storms.

The risk for severe storms through Saturday night will span roughly 1,400 miles across a chunk of the Central U.S., home to over 35 million people.  Potent thunderstorms can begin to ramp up by the midday and afternoon hours for many locations .

“With such a volatile atmospheric setup favoring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, AccuWeather meteorologists remain concerned that a second tornado outbreak in as many days may occur [into] Saturday night, which  may once again include some particularly intense or long-track tornadoes,”  AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

WATCH: Tornadoes captured on camera from Texas to Iowa

Apr. 27, 2024 9:26 AM PDT

Tornadoes were captured on camera from Texas to Iowa on April 26 as severe storms raced across the Midwest, damaging airports, knocking out power and leaving communities in ruins . As of Saturday morning, about  27,000 customers  in northeast Texas were without power

This compilation video shows the severe weather recording in several states including supercells, lightning, tornadoes and their destructive aftermath.

From Texas to Nebraska to Iowa, multiple tornadoes carved a trail of damage on April 26.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen released a  statement   saying he extends his deepest prayers to all those impacted by the storms.

“I have ordered that state resources be made available to assist with the emergency response and to support local first responders as they assess the damage. Nebraskans are tough, resilient people, and our neighbors and communities will rally around affected families and businesses to assist them. Nebraskans are no strangers to severe weather and, as they have countless times before, Nebraskans will help Nebraskans to rebuild. ”

Drone footage shows scope of tornado devastation in Iowa

Apr. 27, 2024 8:43 AM PDT

A large tornado ripped through the town of Minden, Iowa, causing extensive damage to property on April 26.

Tornadoes carved several paths of destruction across the midwest on Friday , destroying hundreds of homes and other buildings, many around Omaha, Nebraska.  This drone footage shows the scope of destruction a massive twister left behind in the city of Minden, Iowa.

An enormous tornado devastated Minden, Iowa, on Friday, prompting Governor Reynolds to declare a disaster emergency for Pottawattamie County. pic.twitter.com/EX8T5gEI30 — AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 27, 2024

The small city, located about 30 miles northeast of Omaha, was heavily damaged. “Approximately 40 homes, maybe 50, were destroyed, gas leaks, wires down, a lot of debris. So it’s a very dangerous area. We have shut off the entrance to the city , except for the people that live here,” Jeff Theulen with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office told 6 News . “Obviously, they’re trying to take care of their houses and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Theulen said rescue crews pulled many people from damaged and destroyed homes Friday evening. As of Saturday morning, there were  several reports of injuries but no immediate deaths . However, the danger is not over, AccuWeather  forecasters warn another round of volatile storms is expected  Saturday afternoon and evening .

Planes tossed and destroyed at Eppley Airfield, Nebraska

Apr. 26, 2024 8:40 PM PDT

Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, released a statement Friday evening saying that a tornado had touched down and the airport was closed for an hour while passengers were in storm shelters. There were no reports of injuries, but several buildings and many planes were destroyed, according to photos and videos posted on X.

More on the destruction at the Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha, Nebraska after a massive tornado hit the premises and the area. Eppley Airport says, Passenger terminal was unaffected while a number of buildings and properties of General Aviation terminal sustained damage. Video… pic.twitter.com/69eO2mChFU — FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 27, 2024

Over 75 tornado reports Friday, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa

Apr. 26, 2024 8:33 PM PDT

Over 75 tornado reports have come in today from spotters as of 7:30 PM CDT, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa.

Many reports were likely the same tornado or supercell thunderstorm, as there have been several long-tracking storms.

Over 85 tornado warnings were issued, including some lasting more than 3 hours in which Tornado Emergency Warnings were in effect.

Catastrophic destruction: Emergency crews in Elkhorn, Nebraska checking damaged houses

Apr. 26, 2024 7:08 PM PDT

Photos and videos of catastrophic damage are emerging on social media, showing utter destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska , a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a massive tornado that tore through.

Video shows the scary moments as a massive tornado spins toward the town of Elkhorn, Nebraska, on April 26.

The Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter for Elkhorn-area residents, according to the Omaha Police Department. Douglas County authorities report a reunification center is being established at Elkhorn Middle School for parents whose students were held during earlier tornado warnings, according to 6 News WOWT.

During a media briefing at 6:30 p.m. CDT, Omaha police and fire officials say they have extra officers going door-to-door helping people from houses that were "flattened" by the tornado , but no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. Police say they think media reports regarding warnings helped reduce injuries.

Firefighters work to clear a home damaged by a tornado northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said damage is also reported in other Nebraska towns, including Arbor Village, Arbor View, and Waterloo. "Right now, we are beginning detailed searches of those neighborhoods; we're going to be looking at each property."

The drone-assisted search will take place overnight and possibly into tomorrow.

A destroyed home is seen northwest of Omaha, Neb., after a storm tore through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

A destroyed house is seen northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, after storms swept through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

Debris is seen from a destroyed home northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, after a storm tore through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

"Challenges include power outages; we have power lines down, we have gas leaks, we have unstable structures, we have trees that are down," Chief Bossman said.

The Omaha Police Department tweeted it has established a command center and additional officers are being brought in to assist with 911 calls citywide. Officers are asking everyone to avoid the Elkhorn area “as emergency personnel are assisting those in the path of the tornado.”

As of 7:30 p.m. CDT, poweroutage.us is reporting 7,000 customers are without power in Nebraska.

Another perspective: Tornado rips across Nebraska freeway

Apr. 26, 2024 5:47 PM PDT

Drivers on Interstate 80 got an incredibly scary view of a powerful tornado  on the afternoon of April 26. Officials urged residents in eastern Nebraska to seek shelter “immediately” as massive tornadoes moved through the Lincoln and Omaha metro areas 

Drivers on Interstate 80 got an incredibly scary view of a powerful tornado on the afternoon of April 26.

You can track the severe weather on  AccuWeather’s weather radar . AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Lada has been monitoring the radar throughout the afternoon and said a tornado northwest of Omaha was a “menace on radar” with  a debris ball that appeared to be over a mile wide .

Radar showing a supercell thunderstorm with tornado debris ball moving northwest of Omaha, Nebraska on April 26, 2024.

A debris ball, technically known as a  tornadic debris signature  ( TDS ), is an area of high reflectivity on weather radar caused by a tornado lofting debris into the air.

Storm chaser captures jaw-dropping footage of wedge tornado crossing I-80 in Nebraska

Apr. 26, 2024 4:57 PM PDT

Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack captured this video near Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26 as a violent tornado tore across a highway, leaving at least one tractor trailer on its side.

Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack was uniquely positioned to record this stunning footage of a massive wedge tornado crossing Interstate 80 in Nebraska Friday afternoon.  “VIOLENT tornado just crossed the Interstate 80 Lincoln, NE,”  he tweeted .

You can see the powerful twister flinging debris across the interstate as motorists attempt to navigate the treacherous roadway. At one point during the video, Jayjack shouts, “Oh, somebody got hit!” 

At least one tractor-trailer was tossed on its side by the intense wind. No word yet on injuries. The Nebraska Department of Transportation caught a different view of the massive twister.

A tornado near Interstate 80 in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26, 2024. (Nebraska Department of Transportation)

Wedge tornadoes are the most destructive  and catastrophic tornadoes and can grow to be over a mile in diameter.

Storm chaser captures tall rope tornado tearing across Nebraska field

“Wow!!! What a tornado  just north of Ravenna, Nebraska, this Friday at 12:32 p.m. CDT,” storm chaser Brandon Montgomery  tweeted  after recording this footage. “Incredible experience!”

Storm chaser Brandon Montgomery followed a tall rope tornado as it tore across a field in Ravenna, Nebraska, on April 26.

Ravenna is about 175 miles west of  Omaha , which is  one of the major metro areas that are very close to or within the high-risk area  into Friday night  along with  Kansas City , Missouri; and  Des Moines , Iowa.

Rope tornadoes, named after their long, thin appearance, are the  smallest type of tornado and can be short-lived, lasting just a few minutes but can be just the start of the evolution of a twister. Don’t be fooled by their size!  Even a thin rope tornado can cause damage, although the path of destruction tends to be narrow  compared to other kinds of whirlwinds.

Storm chaser intercepts large tornado in Nebraska

Apr. 26, 2024 2:39 PM PDT

One of the first tornadoes of the day touched down in central Nebraska , and AccuWeather Storm Chaser and Meteorologist Tony Laubach was on the scene.  Laubach came within a few hundred yards of a large tornado near Elba, Nebraska , as it crossed the road in front of him. Watch the heart-pounding video below:

Meteorologist Tony Laubach got up close with a tornado as it crossed a highway in Elba, Nebraska, on April 26.

New tornado watch issued where strongest storms are expected

Apr. 26, 2024 2:06 PM PDT

There is a  high risk of tornadoes, powerful winds and large hail  in part of the central United States today, according to AccuWeather meteorologists, and intense storms are in short order.  A new tornado watch has been issued for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa  in the area where the strongest storms of the day are expected.  A tornado has already been reported  from a storm about 150 miles west of Omaha, Nebraska, according to storm chasers in the area.

A tornado watch is also in effect for northeastern Texas  and part of southeastern Oklahoma where locally severe storms have been rumbling since late Friday morning.  People who are under a tornado watch should remain vigilant and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

'Tornado on the ground': Multiple supercells move over Kansas

Apr. 26, 2024 12:01 PM PDT

Stormchaser Ben McHone captured this  ominous footage of multiple supercells moving across northwest Kansas producing heavy rain, hail and the formation of a ‘needle tornado’  on Thursday afternoon.

Multiple supercells moved across northwest Kansas producing heavy rain, hail and formation of a needle tornado on April 25.

A needle tornado is another name for a  rope tornado  which is the smallest type of tornado and named for its long, thin appearance.

On the thunderstorm spectrum,  supercells are the least common type of thunderstorm.  What makes a supercell unique from all other thunderstorm types is that  it contains a deep and persistent rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.

Supercells have a high propensity to produce severe weather , including damaging winds, very large hail, and even violet tornadoes.

Violent storms likely into Friday night

Apr. 26, 2024 11:16 AM PDT

“ There could be more than a dozen tornadoes spawned from Friday afternoon to Friday night alone ,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. “Into Friday night, the areas most likely to be strewn with intense, discrete thunderstorms -- the type that often produces strong tornadoes -- extends from northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri to southeastern Nebraska and southern and central Iowa.”

Major metro areas that are very close to or within the high-risk area into Friday night include  Kansas City , Missouri;  Omaha , Nebraska; and  Des Moines , Iowa.  The AccuWeather Local StormMax™  straight-line wind gust  is 80 mph into Friday night  and is stronger than that of the minimum threshold for a hurricane (74 mph).

People in the severe weather threat zones each day and night are encouraged to  pay attention to the weather, take alerts and warnings seriously and have a plan of action  in place in case violent conditions become imminent. A method to receive audible alerts when sleeping is strongly advised

Thursday’s storms seen from space

Apr. 26, 2024 9:19 AM PDT

High resolution imagery of severe storms erupting tonight across the Central Plains. pic.twitter.com/S6GqdUuKba — CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) April 26, 2024

As severe weather erupted over the Plains on Thursday afternoon, NOAA’s GOES-EAST weather satellite was keeping a close eye on the evolving situation. The satellite was focused on  eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and southern Nebraska, where the strongest storms of the day rumbled to life . There were around  70 reports of large hail from storms in this area, including chunks of ice as large as tennis balls.

Storm chaser nearing 500,000 miles in pursuit of storms, twisters

Apr. 26, 2024 7:39 AM PDT

The miles can add up fast for folks who drive across the country to capture footage of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, and one storm chaser is closing in on a monumental benchmark. “ I am making my way to half a million storm-chasing miles, ” AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach said.  So far this year, Laubach has logged 5,448 miles , and he will add to that in the coming days as he hunts down dangerous storms across the central United States. Laubach said that  hitting the 500,000-mile mark has been a long-standing goal for his storm-chasing career  and he might finally reach the benchmark later this year.

Blue shelf cloud moves over Arkansas

Apr. 25, 2024 9:23 PM PDT

Heavy rain and hail hit Little Rock, Arkansas, as this shelf cloud passed through the area.

An incredible timelapse of a shelf cloud with blue hues was recorded in Little Rock, Arkansas Thursday afternoon. Flooding was also reported from the storms.

Shelf clouds often form at the leading edge of strong winds  flowing down and outward from a storm.  It is not uncommon for thunderstorms to contain blue or green tinted clouds , but there is no direct correlation to the severity of the storm.

Storm chaser wraps up a day of tracking severe weather, gets ready for tomorrow

AccuWeather meteorologist and storm chaser Tony Laubach is  wrapping up a day of tracking severe weather across Kansas  and is headed east to get set up for tomorrow. AccuWeather Prime’s Melissa Constanzer caught up with Laubach as he traveled through Quinter, Kansas.

“It has been more of a hail day today,”  Laubach said. “Most of the hail we saw was anywhere between nickel and quarter-sized. We had  hail reports in Kansas as big as two-and-a-half inches , that would be tennis ball-sized hail. ”

In the video below, Laubach explains why there was more hail than tornadoes:

Severe thunderstorms produced prolific hail across parts of the Plains on April 25, but cold air undercut the threat for tornadoes.

Tennis-ball-sized hail pelts the Plains

Apr. 25, 2024 8:50 PM PDT

Storm spotters reported  hail as large as 2.5 inches in diameter (about the size of a tennis ball)  near Russell Springs, Kansas, earlier Thursday evening, with 2-inch-diameter hail near Syracuse and Colby, Kansas.  Wind gusts also spiked to 70 mph  at a weather station near Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Hail as large as 4.5 inches in diameter  fell in the Carolinas last weekend.  A hailstone that fell in Vivian, South Dakota, on July 23, 2010 ,  holds the United States' record for largest hail size with  a diameter of 8 inches  and heaviest weight at 1.94 pounds.

Severe weather to escalate on Friday

Apr. 25, 2024 7:59 PM PDT

Thursday is just the start of an extended severe weather event across the central United States . AccuWeather meteorologists say there is a high threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday and Friday night, the second-highest level on AccuWeather’s severe weather index.

Approximately 38 million people could face thunderstorms, the strongest of which may spin up tornadoes and unleash large hail and damaging winds.

Additional rounds of severe weather are in the forecast through the weekend , with some areas at risk of being hit multiple times.

Landspout touches down in Colorado

Apr. 25, 2024 6:34 PM PDT

A landspout tornado touches down in Akron, Colorado as another funnel cloud spins above it.

A landspout tornado touched down today near Akron, Colorado,  while another funnel cloud spun nearby. The landspout was on the ground for only five minutes.  Landspouts start as a column of spinning air near the ground  and aren't always connected to a severe thunderstorm, whereas tornadoes are spawned in a rotating thunderstorm and move down to the ground.

Tornado watches issued as storms erupt

Apr. 25, 2024 6:18 PM PDT

Severe thunderstorms are rumbling over the Plains with  two tornado watches in effect  from eastern Colorado and southern Nebraska to the Texas Panhandle.  One thunderstorm in northwestern Kansas has already produced a tornado , according to a storm chaser in the area. Thunderstorms may become more widespread into Thursday night over the region, with additional watches possible. Three preliminary tornadoes have been reported across the entire region as of 5:10 p.m. CDT.

Tornado watches in the central United States as of 5 p.m. CDT on April 25, 2024. (AccuWeather)

A tornado watch means that weather conditions are prime for severe thunderstorms to develop and spin up twisters. Meanwhile,  a tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent or is happening  and that people in the path of the storm should seek shelter.

Calm before the storm

Apr. 25, 2024 3:03 PM PDT

A clear sky over Colby, Kansas, an area where tornado-producing thunderstorms are possible later Thursday afternoon. (AccuWeather/Tony Laubach)

Storm chasers are in position ahead of an outburst of thunderstorms expected to erupt over part of the Plains later Thursday afternoon.  AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach is in Colby, Kansas , located in the northwest part of the state, and is sitting under a sunny sky with a few patches of clouds.  A much different scene is foreseen to unfold over the region in a few hours, including the potential for tornadoes.

In-depth look at the severe weather threat

Apr. 25, 2024 1:07 PM PDT

AccuWeather Severe Weather Expert Guy Pearson joined Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno to talk about the forthcoming severe weather outbreak over the United States,  explaining why the threat of damaging thunderstorms will unfold over several days.  Watch the interview below:

The Plains and Midwest regions of the United States face a weekend of dangerous severe weather including the risk of tornadoes starting on Friday.

Types of tornadoes that may touch down through the weekend

Apr. 25, 2024 11:56 AM PDT

Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes, but meteorologists can classify each one based on distinct features.  The smallest type of twister is a rope tornado , named after its long, thin appearance. It is one of the most common types of tornadoes and can be short-lived, but  some evolve into larger, more powerful twisters.

A large tornado spinning near Morton, Texas, on May 23, 2022. (Marcus Diaz via Storyful)

Wedge tornadoes are the largest type of tornadoes and can be over a mile wide . Some of the most intense tornadoes in history were wedge tornadoes, including the EF5 that leveled Joplin, Missouri, in 2011.  Click here to see more types of twisters that occur over the United States.

Severe weather outbreak to commence Thursday afternoon

Apr. 25, 2024 10:19 AM PDT

The first round of a multiday severe weather event is about to unfold over the central United States with  each day through the weekend bringing the risk of damaging winds, hail and tornadoe s. On Thursday, the severe weather threat will extend from northern Texas to eastern Wyoming, with  thunderstorms expected to erupt late Thursday afternoon.  The strongest storms are likely from the Texas Panhandle through western Kansas.

An even higher risk of severe weather is in the offing at the end of the week as the next round of thunderstorms unfolds. “ I think the worst days for severe weather, specifically tornadoes, is going to be [Friday] and then on Saturday ,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.  Click here for a full breakdown of the impending severe weather outbreak.

How to stay alert when severe weather nears

By AccuWeather staff

Apr. 25, 2024 8:17 AM PDT

Knowing when  severe weather is approaching can be life-saving information , especially during a severe weather outbreak, like what is unfolding over the South Wednesday. One of the easiest ways to receive severe weather alerts, such as tornado warnings, is by  having the free AccuWeather App on your smartphone .   Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you  subscribe to Premium+  on the  AccuWeather app , which also provides an ad-free experience. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. These custom alerts can provide critical time to seek shelter before damaging weather moves into the area . Watching the AccuWeather Network and monitoring  AccuWeather’s website  are two other ways to stay updated with the latest weather information.

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Narendra Modi in Pune today: 2 lakh people expected to attend PM's mega rally at Race Course Ground | Details

Lok sabha election 2024: prime minister narendra modi is scheduled to hold a mega rally, 'maha vijay sankalp sabha', in maharashtra's pune today..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a mega rally in Maharashtra's Pune city on Monday, April 29, to support all four Mahayuti candidates. The rally, Maha Vijay Sankalp Sabha, will be held at the Racecourse Ground between 4pm and 9pm.

Pune will vote on May 13 in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 . The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

The Mahayuti leaders, on Friday last week, held a meeting to review preparations for Modi's rally. After the meeting, Maharashtra higher and technical education Chandrakant Patil said, “PM Narendra Modi will hold a rally in Pune on April 29 at Race Course. We are expecting two lakh people for the rally. Party functionaries from Pune, Maval, Baramati and Shirur will be present on April 29. We held a meeting today to review preparations.”

Also read: 'Can I speak in Hindi': PM Modi talks about ‘heart-to-heart’ bond in Karnataka

Pm modi's maha vijay sankalp sabha in pune:.

• PM Narendra Modi will hold the rally in support of four Mahayuti candidates - Murlidhar Mohol of the BJP in Pune, Sunetra Pawar of the NCP in Baramati, Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil of the NCP in Shirur and Shrirang Barne of the Shiv Sena in Maval constituency.
• According to senior Maharashtra BJP leader Chandrakant Patil, around two lakh people are expected to attend the rally. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray will also participate in the rally, Patil said.
• While Modi will hold the rally and address the crowd in Pune, there are no plans for a roadshow. After the event, he will stay at the Raj Bhavan in Pune, reported news agency PTI.
• In anticipation of Modi's rally, the Pune Police issued a set of traffic diversions , parking instructions, and regulations for heavy vehicle movement. According to the traffic police, two-way traffic will be facilitated from Paani Taaki to Turf Club Chowk in the racecourse area between 4 pm and 9 pm.
• Similarly, the road will be closed from Turf Club’s main entrance to Turf Club Chowk. Apart from that, the stretch from Bishop School Circle to Turf Club Chowk will see no vehicular movement during these hours. Police have suggested Mammadevi Junction and Beur Road Junction as alternate routes for the closed roads. The movement of heavy vehicles, including trailers, containers, trucks, and others, has also been restricted within the city.
• Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) postponed its scheduled public meeting on April 29 in Pune to April 30 in view of Modi's rally. Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar will attend the meeting.

Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail

• Narendra Modi
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New live music venue breaks ground in Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A new musical center named Trueline broke ground in Greenville on Thursday.

This upcoming venue at 401 Rhett St. is the result of Michael Grozier’s inspiration, who co-founded the House of Blues concert venues.

Grozier said, “I came to Greenville, and as everybody knows, you fall in love with Greenville right away. The most amazing thing is the kindness in this town, the patience, the love for people.”

The new venue will have two performance spaces. The main room will hold 1,700 seats, and a “more intimate” space will hold 400 chairs.

Greenville Mayor Knox White said he believes the project is a testament to the city’s commitment to economic and community growth.

He said, “We’re not a bunch of naysayers who look for reasons not to do something. We look for reasons to do it.”

Copyright 2024 WHNS. All rights reserved.

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: North Korea says US move in Ukraine is causing 'concern'

There is concern within the international community about the US supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, North Korea has said. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Monday 29 April 2024 11:02, UK

• Big picture : What you need to know as a new week begins
• Telegram 'blocks bots that oppose Russian invasion of Ukraine'
• North Korea expresses 'concern' over US sending long-range missiles to Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Andy Hayes

Ukraine has confirmed that chatbots used by its security agencies on Telegram have been restored after being temporarily blocked.

We reported earlier (6.56am post) that Kyiv's security service described their blocking as "unreasonable".

Now, Ukraine's Centre for Strategic Communication has said three affected bots, used by Ukraine's SBU security service, the GUR and digital ministry for the war effort, had been restored.

A Telegram spokesperson said they were "temporarily disabled due to a false positive but have since been reinstated".

The number of civilians killed or injured in Ukraine in March was 604, according to the UN, which has a human rights monitoring team in the country.

The figure is 20% higher than February's.

The UK's Ministry of Defence, highlighting the numbers in its daily update, said 57 children were reported killed in March - "double the previous month". 

Their deaths have been "attributed directly to Russian use of aerial munitions", the MoD said.

Civilian deaths in general are attributed to "missile and aerial-munitions strikes throughout Ukraine and increased bombardment at the frontlines".

The UN's report highlights an increase in coordinated strikes on critical Ukrainian infrastructure with 20 sites "destroyed or damaged".

In total, there have been 31,366 civilian casualties in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, the MoD said (including areas Russia is controlling).

Of those, 10,810 were killed and 20,556 were wounded.

We reported earlier in our big picture post (6.27am post) that Oleksandr Pivnenko, who commands Ukraine's National Guard, is not ruling out a Russian attempt to target Kharkiv - Ukraine's second-largest city.

Kharkiv has been the focus of recent air attacks.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) thinktank assesses that the Russian military "lacks the forces necessary to seize the city".

But the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has said the threat of an invasion is causing Ukraine to allocate additional resources to defend the city - weakening forces elsewhere.

The ISW said: "Syrskyi noted that Ukrainian forces have recently improved their positions near Synkivka (east of Kharkiv)."

The Russians' "combat effectiveness" can be questioned because of their "inability to seize Synkivka despite repeated mass infantry and mechanized assaults", the ISW said.

It went on: "ISW continues to assess that a potential future Russian offensive to seize Kharkiv City would be an extremely ambitious undertaking that would pose significant challenges to Russian forces, particularly since Russian forces will be facing better-equipped Ukrainian forces following the arrival of US military assistance."

Telegram has reportedly restored some blocked Ukrainian bots.

They include those of the security service and ministry of digital transformation, the Kyiv Post said on X.

As we reported earlier (6.56am post) the security service said Telegram had "unreasonably" blocked bots that "opposed Russia's military aggression against Ukraine".

Three men who are entrepreneurs in their day jobs have been assembling drones in a home kitchen in Kyiv.

Denys, Yaw and Eugene send the tiny aircraft on to the Ukrainian armed forces.

There is concern within the international community about the US supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, North Korea has said.

As we report in our big picture post (6.27am post) Kyiv has used long-range ballistic missiles from the US against Russia twice this month, according to NBC News.

"The US has secretly supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine, sparking off uneasiness and concern of the international community," North Korea's defence ministry said.

 "The US can never defeat the heroic Russian army and people with any latest weaponry or military support," it added, according to state news agency KCNA.

Professor Michael Clarke, Sky News's military analyst, has said North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia - facilitated by China.

Official bots that oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been blocked by the Telegram messaging app, Ukraine's military spy agency has claimed.

Ukraine's own bot was included, GUR added.

"Today, the management of the Telegram platform unreasonably blocked a number of official bots that opposed Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, including the main intelligence bot," GUR said in a statement posted on Telegram.

"Despite the blocking of our bot, your personal data is safe." 

A bot is a piece of software that can run on its own, mimicking conversations or collecting content.

Telegram, which is based in Dubai, was founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with government demands to shut down opposition groups on another social media platform.

Since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, both Ukraine and Russia have used the app to share updates.

Almost all major media outlets, government departments and public figures in both countries have channels on Telegram. 

Telegram's press service did not immediately reply to a request for comment, Reuters said.

The big news last week was the US passing its $61bn (£48.1bn) aid package for Ukraine after months of delay. 

Republicans in the House of Representatives - who, spurred on by Donald Trump and his supporters, had wanted more money for internal border security - finally approved the package and it was officially signed into law on Wednesday. 

Joe Biden said it had been a "difficult path" but America eventually "rose to the moment".

Long-range missiles from US already in use in Ukraine 

The initial package of aid will include long-range missiles, the US confirmed - but then it emerged that such missiles had already been provided in "secret".

Kyiv has used long-range ballistic missiles from the US against Russia twice this month, according to NBC News.

Three US officials told Sky News's partner network on Wednesday that Ukraine first used the Army Tactical Missile System - dubbed ATACMS - on 17 April.

It has a range of about 187 miles.

Long-range weaponry has previously been held back for fear it would be used in attacks inside Russia - and concerns over the potential for NATO missiles landing there to provoke a wider escalation.

Why was the bill finally approved?

The change of heart from House Republicans came after a meeting between the Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and Donald Trump, whose supporters have been vocal in their opposition to aid for Ukraine.

Read more on that here ...

'Urgently' needed Patriot missiles

A second military aid package worth $6bn (£4.8bn) - which includes Patriot missiles - was also approved by the US.

It includes more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and gear to integrate Western air defence launchers, missiles and radars into Ukraine's existing weaponry, much of which dates back to Soviet times.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously asked for at least seven Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian cities, saying they were needed "urgently".

Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine 

And this is why Ukraine says it desperately needs more military aid...

On Sunday, Ukraine's top general said fighting had intensified in the east of the country, with troops falling back in three areas. 

Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian troops achieved "certain tactical successes" in the villages of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka, all of which are in the eastern Donetsk region.

Russia has been pushing forward in Donetsk, particularly in the area of Avdiivka. 

Ukraine says it is outgunned and outmanned, and as a result is slowly losing ground. 

Reports also suggest Russia has set its sights on the strategic town of Chasiv Yar which, if captured, would make it easier for Moscow to advance further in the east. 

Potential Russian summer offensive

A commander from Ukraine's National Guard has said Russia is planning "unpleasant surprises" in a potential summer offensive.

Oleksandr Pivnenko told news outlet Liga Net that, as part of this, the National Guard does not rule out Russian attempts to target Kharkiv - the country's second-largest city.

Kharkiv and the surrounding region have been the focus of recent air attacks from Moscow, experiencing the most intense strikes. 

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak announced a £500m military aid package for Ukraine - the UK's largest military pledge to the country.

In a speech in Warsaw, Poland, Mr Sunak said: "An investment in Ukraine is an investment in our security."

The prime minister also said he would put the UK's own defence industry "on a war footing" as he confirmed an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030.

Russia-Finland tensions

Russia hit out at NATO exercises near its border with Finland, warning they raised the risk of "possible military incidents".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told the RIA state news agency the drills are "provocative".

Commenting on Friday's drills, Ms Zakharova said: "NATO military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature. 

"Their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force."

She added: "The drills... increase the risks of possible military incidents."

That's all from our live coverage for tonight. For a reminder of today's updates, you can scroll back through this live blog. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is still waiting for promised supplies from its allies, urging the international community to hurry up. 

In his nightly video address today, he said: "We are expecting those volumes and scope that can change the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine's interests." 

He also said he had spoken with US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, and had thanked Congress for passing the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine. 

"In my conversation with Mr Jeffries, I underscored that Patriot systems are needed, and as soon as possible," he said. 

Ukrainian forces are facing a worsening position in the east and are still awaiting the delivery of US weapons. 

Mr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more air defence systems to protect its citizens and infrastructure, particularly the Patriot systems. 

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