Tornado watch issued in 4 southern and Plains states
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A tornado watch was issued Saturday in parts of four states as a strong storm system moved into the South and Plains states.
The watch was in effect until 6 p.m. in most of Arkansas and in northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Louisiana.
The weather service said the system was also capable of producing wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour and hail up to two inches in diameter, or about the size of an egg.
Heavy rain and flooding is also possible and a levee breach along the Kankakee River in northwestern Indiana has local officials urging about 30 homeowners to evacuate.
Keener Township Volunteer Fire Chief Randy Woods says the breach was relatively minor when it was discovered about 3 p.m.