This blog post summarizes FOX Weather’s Daily Weather Update for Thursday, October 16, 2025. It describes a powerful cross-country fall storm now moving east after delivering record rainfall to California and heavy Sierra snow.
It covers the storm’s evolving threats across the central United States and the associated severe-weather risk for millions of people. There is also a concurrent geomagnetic event that could put the Northern Lights on display and a local rescue in Southern California tied to recent flooding.
Storm track and evolving hazards
The system that drenched parts of California and produced significant mountain snow is continuing its eastward progress through the Rockies. Meteorological analysis shows this is a classic late-season, deep trough that redistributes Pacific moisture and energy across the continent.
As the system amplifies downstream, heavy rain is expected to move into the Midwest by Friday. The Ozarks and lower Mississippi Valley are trending toward a severe-weather regime.
The primary threats with the convective line include damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. These are elements typical of strong frontal systems interacting with warm, moist Gulf air.
Severe weather threat: who’s at highest risk
Over the weekend, the risk footprint expands. Forecast guidance indicates that more than 30 million people from Texas to Ohio could be exposed to severe thunderstorms on Saturday.
Within that broad area, a core corridor of increased risk—about 6 million people stretching from northeastern Texas into southwestern Illinois—has been assigned a Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorm threat.
Residents in and near this corridor should monitor local forecasts closely and be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued.
The following metropolitan areas are specifically highlighted in the heightened risk zone:
- Shreveport
- Little Rock
- Fort Smith
- Memphis
- Springfield
Storms in this environment can produce sudden, damaging winds and large hail that threaten property and outdoor safety. Tornadoes remain a concern in the more volatile sectors of the line where shear and buoyancy overlap.
Practical preparedness advice
With a wide swath of the country potentially affected, sensible preparation reduces risks. Secure loose outdoor items, charge essential devices, and review a family communication plan.
If severe-weather warnings are issued for your area, move to a small interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. For outdoor workers and event organizers, consider postponement or relocation to safe shelter when warnings are possible.
Pay attention to local emergency management and NOAA Weather Radio for the fastest updates.
Space weather and the Northern Lights
In parallel with terrestrial weather, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a moderate geomagnetic storm Thursday night. The forecasted KP index near 5.67 suggests geomagnetic activity sufficient to push auroral displays unusually far south.
Under clear skies, observers across a broad swath from New York to Idaho may briefly see the Northern Lights. This is dependent on local cloud cover and light pollution conditions.
A human note amid the hazards
Finally, the update included a reminder of the human impacts of extreme weather. Firefighters in Southern California rescued a small dog trapped in floodwaters after the week’s heavy rain.
Such rescues underscore the local dangers of flash flooding. Larger-scale systems continue to evolve over the continent.
Stay informed from trusted sources. Heed local warnings and prioritize safety.
Here is the source article for this story: Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: 150 million Americans in 40 states threatened by cross-country storm