A severe weather outbreak in the central United States has caused significant damage and disruption, with estimates of economic losses ranging from $80 billion to $90 billion. This preliminary figure comes from AccuWeather and highlights the scale of the disaster that unfolded from April 2 to April 6.
During this period, a rare weather system brought heavy rainfall to several states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana. Many areas saw between 8 to 16 inches of rain, with some communities experiencing up to 20 inches. This led to extreme flash flooding, severely impacting local infrastructure and homes.
The storm also produced nearly 90 tornado reports since the beginning of April, with at least three tornadoes rated as EF3 or stronger. These tornadoes, which had winds exceeding 136 mph, were confirmed in Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. In addition to tornadoes, hailstones measuring up to 3 inches in diameter and wind gusts reaching 100 mph contributed to the widespread damage.
AccuWeather has noted that flooding is often not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, which could leave many residents facing significant financial burdens. The agency uses various methods to assess both insured and uninsured losses, providing a comprehensive view of the storm’s impact.
Looking ahead, AccuWeather warns that major river flooding will continue in some areas for days, posing ongoing risks to lives and property. Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter described the situation as a "perfect storm," caused by a combination of deep tropical moisture and a series of storms hitting the same regions in quick succession.
This early April storm is on track to be one of the most costly weather disasters of 2025. Earlier this year, a southern winter storm in January resulted in $14 to $17 billion in damages, while wildfires in Los Angeles caused estimated losses of $250 to $275 billion.
Porter emphasized that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the U.S. are increasing. More people and communities are feeling the effects, which are exacerbated by climate change. As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how recovery efforts unfold in the wake of this devastating outbreak.