Weather tracker: Tornadoes and giant hail in central US

Spring is the season for severe thunderstorms across the central US, and the start of this week was a particularly active period for the region. A favourable weather pattern fuelled intense thunderstorms on Monday through Wednesday, bringing strong winds, very large hail and strong tornadoes. Eight tornadoes were reported on Monday, including an EF2 tornado that ripped through the town of Sycamore, Kansas. On Tuesday, a more widespread event tore across the mid-west, most notably as a severe hailstorm moved through Springfield, Missouri. Hailstones up to 12cm (5in) in diameter fell across the city, causing widespread damage to cars, including cracked or completely shattered windscreens. Dickerson Park zoo on the north side of the city reported the death of Adam, an Emu caught outside during the storm. Early estimates indicate this event will be the costliest hailstorm in the Springfield’s history. The strongest tornado of the week occurred on Wednesday as an EF3 struck Mineral Wells, Texas, containing wind speeds of up to 145mph (233km/h). The mayor declared a local disaster after five people were injuredand homes and businesses across the town were damaged or destroyed. Tornado Alley residents will be grateful for a quieter period of severe weather, which is expected over the next week. Forecasted extreme rainfall verified for parts of southern China this week. …