orywireNews that matters globallyReporting on public life and major developments across the U.S., the UK, and beyond.
orywire
World News Reporter
World affairs editor focused on international politics and diplomacy.
Sarah Mitchell covers global news, diplomacy, conflict, and international policy. She focuses on explaining how events abroad affect governments, markets, and communities in the United States and around the world.
NWS outlooks place parts of the Central U.S. under severe thunderstorm and heavy rainfall concerns today. Large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash flooding are possible from the central Plains toward the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
Iran’s military said the Strait of Hormuz was being closed over alleged ceasefire violations, but U.S. officials said they had not seen evidence of a full shutdown. The waterway remains central to oil, LNG and global shipping, making the claim important even if traffic has not stopped.
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center placed parts of the Central Plains under an Enhanced Risk for severe storms Saturday, with large hail, damaging wind and a few tornadoes possible. The greatest risk is expected this afternoon and evening, with flash flooding possible into early Sunday.
National Weather Service heat advisories are in effect today for parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi and South Florida. Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 108 to 109 in the advisory areas.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Friday afternoon into Friday night for parts of Utah, with gusty southwest winds and very low humidity expected. Residents should avoid outdoor burning, campfires, fireworks and spark-producing work near dry vegetation.
The National Weather Service says a heat advisory remains in effect for Houston and many Southeast Texas communities through Saturday night. Heat index values could reach 107 to 112 degrees, making air conditioning, hydration and limited outdoor activity important.
Arthur is no longer a tropical cyclone, but its remnants remain a flooding threat from Louisiana and Mississippi into Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Heavy rain, flash flooding and a few tornadoes remain possible after the final National Hurricane Center advisory.
Flood Watches are active across parts of Texas today, including the Houston area, Southeast Texas, South Texas and Deep South Texas. Residents and travelers should monitor National Weather Service alerts, avoid flooded roads and be ready to act if warnings are issued.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people aboard. Officials said the aircraft was on a routine test mission, and the cause remains under investigation.
Several tornadoes occurred across northern and central Illinois and northwest Indiana on June 11, according to the National Weather Service. The most notable damage reports include Streator, Merrillville and Hebron, while final tornado tracks and ratings remain under survey.
The National Weather Service has posted Red Flag Warnings for parts of Northern California from Wednesday into Thursday, including Bay Area hills, Lake County and the Sacramento Valley. The warnings cite gusty winds, low humidity and conditions that could help fires spread quickly.
Parts of the Upper and Mid Mississippi valleys and Midwest face an Enhanced Risk for severe storms Wednesday, with tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds possible. Residents should monitor National Weather Service alerts and be ready to shelter if warnings are issued.
The U.S. says it struck Iranian air defense and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz after a U.S. Army Apache helicopter went down near Oman. Iran then claimed retaliatory attacks on U.S.-linked bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, while key details of the helicopter incident remain under investigation.
“Schmigadoon!” won Best Musical and Bess Wohl’s “Liberation” won Best Play at the 2026 Tony Awards. The major acting winners included John Lithgow, Lesley Manville, Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy.
Parts of the Gulf Coast face localized flash-flood risk this weekend as heavy showers and storms move inland from the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center says tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven days.
The National Weather Service says parts of the central U.S. face severe thunderstorms today, with large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornado risk and flooding possible. The main risk areas stretch from the central Plains into the Midwest, with a separate heavy-rain threat from Texas into the Mississippi Valley.
The National Weather Service says severe storms could affect parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest on Thursday, with risks that include large hail, damaging winds, a couple of tornadoes and localized flooding. Residents should monitor local NWS alerts as storms develop later in the day.