Viola Davis receives prestigious Chairman's prize at NAACP Image Awards

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Viola Davisdelivered a powerful speech about self-worth, resilience and collective progress on the 57thNAACP Image Awardsstage Saturday night, telling the audience that personal and national growth require confronting truth and hardship.

Associated Press

"There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one's truth," Davis said after receiving the NAACP's Chairman's Award at thePasadena Civic Auditorium near Los Angeles. "We either move forward together or not at all."

The Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner reflected on her journey from childhood poverty in Rhode Island to international success, saying, "I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance."

Davis, 60, has earned widespread acclaim for performances in films including "The Help," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Doubt," while also captivating television audiences in the legal drama "How to Get Away With Murder." She achieved EGOT status after winning a Grammy for the audiobook version of her memoir, "Finding Me," adding to two Tonys, an Emmy and anAcademy Awardfor the film adaptation of "Fences."

"No one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope," Davis said, "to the girl living a transcendent life."

Entertainer of the year

Michael B. Jordancapped off the night as the winner of entertainer of the year after also taking home best actor forhis dual performance as twin brothersin the film "Sinners."

Jordan beat out nomineesCynthia Erivo,Doechii,Kendrick LamarandTeyana Taylorfor the top honor. Last year's entertainer of the year winner wasKeke Palmer.

During his acceptance speech, Jordan became emotional while acknowledging late actorChadwick Boseman, his friend and "Black Panther" co-star.

"My best friend, Chad … I miss you every day," Jordan said.

He also thanked his family and community, encouraging those watching from his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, to pursue their goals with humility and compassion.

NAACP Hall of Fame

Hip-hop trailblazersSalt-N-Pepawere inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, recognized for their groundbreaking impact on music, culture and the representation of women in rap.

The Grammy-winning group — Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton and DJ Spinderella — rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s with hits including "Push It," "Shoop" and "Whatta Man," helping bring female voices to the forefront of hip-hop while shaping conversations around confidence, relationships and self-expression.

Accepting the honor, the trio reflected on their legacy and influence across generations of artists.

"We didn't know we were building a movement," said Spinderella, the stage name of Deidra Muriel Roper. "We were just being ourselves."

Deon Cole opens ceremony with sharp jokes, BAFTA jab

The ceremony kicked off with hostDeon Coleblending sharp political humor with pointed cultural commentary, including a censored jab referencing immigration enforcement and a nod to the recent disruption involving Jordan andDelroy Lindoat theBritish Academy Film Awards.

Cole's monologue drew loud reactions from the crowd as he joked about removing anything associated with "ICE" from the guest list before shifting into a comedic prayer segment that touched on celebrities and current headlines.

The actor-comedian then referenced the BAFTA disruption, which occurred in February when aracial slur was shoutedfrom the audience by Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson while Jordan and Lindo were presenting during a ceremony that had been prerecorded earlier in the day.

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After receiving a standing ovation, Lindo spoke briefly on the matter before he and Ryan Coogler presented the best actress award to Erivo for "Wicked: For Good."

"In the aftermath of what happened last weekend, it means a lot to us," Lindo said. "It is a honor to be here amongst that people this evening, among so many people who have shown us such incredible support. And it's a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive."

In his live monologue, Cole humorously gave his warning to anyone prone to inappropriate outbursts.

"If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette's, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight," he joked.

The ceremony, featuring Black achievement across film, television, music and literature, featured appearances fromRegina Halland other presenters.

Hall presented the first award of the night to Miles Caton, who accepted the trophy for outstanding breakthrough performance in a film for "Sinners." Before handing over the award, Hall also acknowledged Caton's "Sinners" co-stars Jordan and Lindo, praising their composure.

"I'd like to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and send you so much love for your class," Hall said.

"Sinners," Coogler's pulsating supernatural thriller, led the awards in the movie categories with 18 nominations.

Colman Domingo honored with President's Award

Colman Domingoreceived the President's Award, which recognizes individuals who use their platform to advance social justice and public service, joining past honorees including Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna and John Legend.

Domingo reflected on the people who shaped his path, including his mother and stepfather, and emphasized the importance of community support and purpose.

"You don't get here alone," Domingo said.

Rev. Jesse Jackson remembered

The ceremony also honored theRev. Jesse Jacksonand his decades of activism and influence on American politics, culture and social justice movements.

ActorSamuel L. Jacksondelivered a heartfelt tribute recognizing the legacy of the civil rights leader, who died Feb. 17 at age 84.

A protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-timepresidential candidate, Jackson rose to national prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and continued advocating for marginalized communities for decades through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

From voting rights and education to economic inclusion, he pushed corporations and political leaders to expand opportunities for Black Americans while promoting self-worth and empowerment.

His longtime message — "I am somebody" — became a rallying cry across generations, emphasizing dignity and possibility regardless of circumstance.

The tribute drew applause from the audience, underscoring the lasting impact of Jackson's leadership on multiple generations.

Viola Davis receives prestigious Chairman's prize at NAACP Image Awards

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Viola Davisdelivered a powerful speech about self-worth, resilience and collective progress on the 57th...
Last year, Connor Storrie was a waiter. Last night, he aced hosting 'Saturday Night Live'

US women's hockey team gold medalists Megan Keller and Hilary Knight skated by some ongoing drama related to the US men's hockey team when they appeared on the latest episode of "Saturday Night Live."

CNN (from left) Quinn Hughes, Megan Keller, Connor Storrie, Hilary Knight and Jack Hughes on "Saturday Night Live." - NBC

The episode, hosted by "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie, took place days after theUS men's hockey team won goldat the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, going on to draw ire for partying with FBI director Kash Patel and subsequently facing backlash for laughing during a call with President Trump after hejokedhe would be "impeached" for not inviting the US women's hockey team,who also won gold, to the White House.

The women's team later declined Trump's invitation to attend the State of the Union, citing scheduling conflicts, while the men's team did show up.

Storrie welcomed brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes on the stage first during hisopening monologueon Saturday, with the pair donning their gold medals and some missing teeth.

"We've been so busy playing, we haven't had time to see your show yet," Jack Hughes said, before his brother chimed in to joke, "It's about hockey, right?"

Connor Storrie during "SNL" promos on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. - Rosalind O'Connor/NBC/Getty Images

Keller and Knight, also donning their gold medals, then walked out on stage after Storrie said he hoped "somehockey players" watched "Rivalry," winking at the fact that much of the show'saudiencehas been women drawn to the gay romance aspect.

"Don't worry," said Keller. "We saw your show."

Keller and Knight went on to poke fun at the Hughes about how the women were originally supposed to appear on "SNL" alone, but "we thought we'd invite the guys too," and reminded the audience that the women's hockey team won gold just "two whole Olympics ago," after the men mentioned their team last won gold over 40 years ago.

The appearance by the athletes all appeared to be in good fun, with no mention of the controversy surrounding the men's team's reaction to Trump's remarks.

"My show speaks to people who are not always represented in hockey," Storrie said at the end of his monologue. "So this is really great to have actual hockey legends here tonight."

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Reaching a 'goal'

Storrie's debut appearance on "SNL" was akin to a decisive slap shot on the ice, a milestone he celebrated alongside his "Rivalry" costar Hudson Williams, who made a surprise appearance during a sketch that took place… at the Rockefeller Center ice rink.

The episode featured moments where Storrie exercised his considerate foreign accent skills, which fans of "Rivalry" — theromantic hockey-set seriesthat has turned Storrie and Williams into the hottest male screen sirens of the moment — already knew quite well. The actor, who portrays surly Russian hockey captain Ilya Rozanov in the show, is in no way, shape or form Russian, and learned to speak the language rather flawlessly in justthree weeks before filming.(This tweetsums up just how much of a quick study he is.)

"Selfishly, I just love Russian language. I love any opportunity to do an accent, learn a new skill, and this had all of it," he toldOutin November of the role.

Amere nine months ago, Storrie was working as a server at aCulver City, Los Angeles restaurant, and almost got fired the day he found out he landed one of the leads in "Heated Rivalry."

Connor Storrie arrives on set for a Jan. 12 appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers." - Lloyd Bishop/NBC/Getty Images

It's a part of Storrie's story that he touched on during his opening monologue on Saturday, saying that since he was plucked from that restaurant to star on "Rivalry," his life has "totally changed."

"I've only technically been a professional actor for like, six months now, but on the other hand, I've been preparing for this my entire life," he said. "On one hand, I'm totally surprised and humbled that this is happening to me, and on the other hand, this was my destiny," he added dramatically.

Aside from blowing the lid off of what was previously thought of as permissible with what can be shown onscreen when it comes to gay sex, "Rivalry" has changed the cultural conversation in relation to portrayals of masculinity, consent and the potential for the romance genre in the streaming age.

Before "Heated Rivalry," which (of course) has been renewed for a second season, Storrie was probably best known for a small but pivotal role in 2024's "Joker: Folie a Deux."

Along with Williams and their "Heated" costar François Arnaud, he has been just about everywhere recently, from theGrammystoannouncing the Actor Award nominationstoParis Fashion Weektohobnobbing with acclaimed Hollywood directors. And no one is tired yet.

Mumford & Sons served as the musical guest during Storrie's episode of "Saturday Night Live," with a special appearance by Hozier.

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Last year, Connor Storrie was a waiter. Last night, he aced hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’

US women's hockey team gold medalists Megan Keller and Hilary Knight skated by some ongoing drama related to the US m...
Sharon Osbourne Drops 3 F-Bombs as She and Daughter Kelly Accept Award on Late Ozzy's Behalf at the 2026 BRIT Awards

Sharon Osbourne dropped multiple F-bombs while accepting a lifetime achievement award on Ozzy Osbourne's behalf

People Ozzy Osbourne; Kelly and Sharon Osbourne at the 2026 BRIT Awards on Feb. 28, 2026Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty;JMEnternational/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Ozzy received the honor posthumously at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, England, on Saturday, Feb. 28

  • Sharon was joined onstage during the ceremony by daughter Kelly Osbourne

Sharon Osbournedidn't hold back while accepting a lifetime achievement award for her late husband,Ozzy Osbourne.

The moment occurred at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, England, on Saturday, Feb. 28, where Sharon accepted the award alongside daughterKelly Osbourne.

"First of all, what a f---ing good evening it's been!" Sharon, 73, said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Kelly and Sharon Osbourne onstage at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, England, on Feb. 28, 2026Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty

"Such amazing artists tonight. I mean, everyone's a winner, everyone," she added.

Later in her speech, Sharon said that Ozzy personally hated public speaking.

"I know that Ozzy is looking down on us all right now, and I know what he is thinking. He hated to make speeches. He hated listening to speeches. He'd be saying, 'Hey, missus, shut the f-ck up!' " she joked.

"But I'm not going to," she continued, before praising her late husband's talent, work ethic and humility.

"He always wanted to do better, both personally and professionally. He never felt that words were enough to thank everybody for the life that he was given and for the life that he led," she said.

"He may not be here, but he left us one amazing body of work that will never be forgotten by the country that made him," she continued.

Kelly and Sharon Osbourne at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, England, on Feb. 28, 2026Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Sharon concluded her speech by shouting, "There will never be another Ozzy f---ing Osbourne!" which elicited more cheers from the audience.

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Kelly, 41, also shared some brief thoughts during the acceptance speech.

"Thank you for loving my father as much as we do," she said, before cheekily giving a shout-out to her family's favorite soccer team.

"Up the Villa! Birmingham forever!" she shouted in reference to Birmingham's soccer club, Aston Villa, a longstanding Manchester rival.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Ozzy diedon July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His official cause of death wascardiac arrest.

"It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning," the Black Sabbath frontman's family told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time."

The Osbourne family has since been open aboutthe griefthey have experienced after losing Ozzy.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

"I never realized just how horrible grief is. I never knew I was capable of loving somebody so much and missing somebody so much," Kelly said through tears while speaking on a November 2025 episode of their family podcast,The Osbournes."I just — I never thought there'd be a day where he wouldn't be here."

"But then how blessed are you to have had a dad like him?" Sharon responded.

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Sharon Osbourne Drops 3 F-Bombs as She and Daughter Kelly Accept Award on Late Ozzy’s Behalf at the 2026 BRIT Awards

Sharon Osbourne dropped multiple F-bombs while accepting a lifetime achievement award on Ozzy Osbourne's behalf ...
All Tornado Warnings Should Be Taken Seriously, But They Aren't All The Same. Here Are The Different Types.

In the U.S. there are roughly 2,300 tornado warnings issued each year. Some years there are more, and some less. However, there are 1,200 tornadoes confirmed on average each year. Some tornadoes are brief spin-ups that cause very little damage, and others cause catastrophic damage, wiping homes completely off their foundations.

The Weather Channel

When a tornado warning is issued you should always take it seriously and seek shelter, but not all tornado warnings are created equally. Knowing the multiple types of warning can help you understand more about this urgent situation.

What Prompts A Tornado Warning?

A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when a tornado has been sighted and/or indicated by radar. Each tornado warning that is issued will indicate if the warning was "radar indicated rotation" or "observed," which means it was spotted by a trained storm spotter or law enforcement.

(MORE:What Makes A Storm Severe)

NOAA

A "Radar Indicated" Tornado Warning

Most tornado warnings cite "radar indicated rotation" as the reason the warning was issued. This does not mean that you should wait until the tornado is "observed" to take action. This type of warning is just as serious as any, so you should seek shelter immediately.

A radar indicated tornado means a severe thunderstorm is exhibiting signs of strong rotation on Doppler radar, which indicates that a tornado could be in progress or that one could form at any time.

When "radar indicated rotation" is cited in the warning, it's not yet known if an actual tornado has formed, but the NWS forecaster wants to provide as much lead time as possible before a tornado occurs to keep you safe.

(MORE:Tornado Watch Vs. Warning)

Image source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet Archive

Types Of Warnings For Confirmed Tornadoes

A tornado can be confirmed as in progress in two different ways: radar confirmed and spotter confirmed.

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  • Radar Confirmed Tornado: This will appear in the text of some warnings that are issued based on radar. It means Doppler radar is showing signs that debris has been lofted into the air near the area of low-level rotation in a storm, giving the NWS high confidence a tornado is in progress.

  • Spotter Confirmed Tornado: Sometimes, you will see "confirmed tornado from trained spotters" as the source cited in a tornado warning. That means a tornado has been spotted by a trained spotter and/or law enforcement.

(MORE:What Causes A Severe Thunderstorm Outbreak)

National Weather Service - Peachtree City, Georgia | Annotation added by weather.com

The Highest Level Tornado Warnings

The following types of tornado warnings are extremely rare and indicate the highest level of tornado warning issues. These are reserved for the most dire situations, when a tornado is either confirmed and showing major damage, and/or a tornado has the potential to be very strong and life-threatening.

  • Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Confirmed Tornadoes: You might see this line in warnings for radar confirmed or spotter confirmed tornadoes that are likely to be strong. These particular warnings are rare and an elevated version of a tornado warning that is meant to suggest an unusually high threat of damage and loss of life exists for a particular storm.

  • A Tornado Emergency: If a tornado warning indicates a "tornado emergency," know that this is the rarest type of warning and is reserved for the most dire situations. This is only issued "when there is a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from an imminent or ongoing tornado", the NWS says.

A tornado emergency can be issued based on a confirmed sighting of a tornado or one that has been confirmed by radar.

NOAA

The first tornado emergency ever issued was by the NWS office in Norman, Oklahoma, during theMay 3, 1999 outbreak.The warning was issued for a tornado that caused F5 damage just south of Oklahoma City.

National Weather Service Norman, Oklahoma | Erin Maxwell

Warnings Can Change Types

Tornado warnings can change throughout the life of a tornado.

For example, a tornado warning might first be issued as a "radar indicated" tornado, based on radar rotation alone.

Then, the NWS might receive credible information that a tornado has been sighted or has been confirmed by debris on radar. They will then update the messaging in that warning and refer to the tornado as a "confirmed tornado."

If the NWS sees that the torando is indeed causing extreme damage and there is a higher potential for loss of life, the office might upgrade the warning to a PDS warning or a tornado emergency.

This is why you should always stay up to date with the latest information about the warning, and know what the warning means for you.

MORE: (15 Severe Weather Tips That Could Save Your Life)

Jennifer Grayis a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.

All Tornado Warnings Should Be Taken Seriously, But They Aren't All The Same. Here Are The Different Types.

In the U.S. there are roughly 2,300 tornado warnings issued each year. Some years there are more, and some less. Howev...
Delroy Lindo Addresses BAFTA Racial Slur Incident During NAACP Awards, Gets Standing Ovation

Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage at the BAFTAs on Feb. 22, when Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson yelled a racial slur

People Delroy LindoCredit: Leon Bennett/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Lindo addressed the incident as he appeared onstage with Sinners director Ryan Coogler at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, Feb. 28

  • During the event, Regina Hall voiced her support for Lindo and Jordan

Delroy Lindoaddressed the racial slur incident at theBAFTAsinvolving Tourette syndrome advocateJohn Davidsonduring the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.

The Oscar nominee, 73, andMichael B. Jordanwere presenting an award on stage on Feb. 22, when Davidson, 54,yelled the n-word. While appearing on stage withSinnersdirector Ryan Coogler at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, Feb. 28, Lindo took a moment to acknowledge the public's support following the incident.

"I'd just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us," Lindo said onstage at the ceremony in avideoposted byRevolton TikTok, after receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

"It is an honor to be here amongst our people this evening, among so many people who have shown us such incredible support," the actor continued.

Ryan Coogler and Delroy LindoCredit: Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty

Referring to the BAFTA controversy, he added that, "It's a classic case of something that could have been very negative becoming very positive. Thank you so much for the support."

Elsewhere during the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, actressRegina Hallshared her support for Lindo and Jordan, 39, following the racial slur incident.

"I would like also to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class and that is Michael B. Jordan and Delory Lindo," Hall, 55, said in a video reposted onTikTok. The audience then gave another standing ovation in support of the actors.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Delroy Lindo ; Regina HallCredit: Emma McIntyre/WireImage; Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

At the2026 BAFTA Awardsin London on Feb. 22, Tourette's syndrome advocate Davidson, who attended the ceremony as a guest, yelled the n-word at Lindo and Jordan as the pair appeared onstage together to present an award.

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Davidson started experiencing symptoms ofTourette syndrome, which causes involuntary verbal and physical tics, at the age of 12. He was invited to the awards show to represent the BAFTA-nominated filmI Swear,which is based on his life and experiences with the condition.

While attending a Warner Brothers' afterparty, Lindo said in an interview withVanity Fair, that he wished "someone from BAFTA spoke to [Jordan and I] afterwards."

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs in LondonCredit: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty

Davidson indicated in an interview withVarietyon Feb. 24, he reached out to theSinnersteam to directly apologize to Jordan, Lindo and the movie's production designer, Hannah Beachler, following the racial slur incident.

"StudioCanal were working closely with BAFTA, and BAFTA had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast," Davidson told the outlet. "I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette's and worked harder to prevent anything that I said — which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage — from being included in the broadcast."

He continued, "I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic."

"When socially unacceptable words come out, the guilt and shame on the part of the person with the condition is often unbearable and causes enormous distress," Davidson added of the highly misunderstood neurological disorder. "I can't begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in."

TheBBCapologized for the offensive moment not being edited out of the BBC One broadcast, which had a two-hour delay, telling PEOPLE in a statement, "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional."

"We [apologize] that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer," the BBC concluded.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts also apologized for the incidentin a statementreleased on Feb. 23. "We apologize unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism."

Read the original article onPeople

Delroy Lindo Addresses BAFTA Racial Slur Incident During NAACP Awards, Gets Standing Ovation

Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage at the BAFTAs on Feb. 22, when Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson ...
These springtime dangers can sneak up on you

Tornadoes.Thunderstorms.Floods.Wind.Hail.Wildfires. Crazytemperature changes.

USA TODAY

Hello spring!

Sure, the warmer weather sounds nice. But with the rising temperatures come a wide range of dangers − many of them surprising or underestimated.

"Spring is one of the most volatile seasons across the United States because it is a true transitional period," said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham in an e-mail to USA TODAY.

A haboob comes into Chandler, Ariz. on Aug. 25, 2025. An evening lightning storm lights up the skies near the Sanibel Causeway in Southwest Florida on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Lightning strikes over downtown Phoenix during a monsoon storm on Aug. 13, 2025. Clouds and sunset in Sarasota, Florida, on Aug. 6, 2025. Lightning strikes over the Dragon Bravo Fire burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 15, 2025. Hikers reach the summit of Piestewa Peak during sunrise as record-breaking heat of 118 degrees is predicted in Phoenix on July 9, 2025. Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the United States and the hottest metropolis. The shoreline reflects a lightning bolt as an afternoon thunderstorm moves over Daytona Beach. The National Lightning Safety Council encourages people to head indoors after hearing the first clap of thunder. Lightning illuminates the skies over Pine Island, Florida on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Recent storms have moved in bringing with them rain and lightning. Photographed from the Sanibel Causeway from a distance. There were storms over the ocean over Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday night, May 24, 2025, eerie blue lights could be seen near the shore in Cocoa Beach with lightning lighting the sky behind them. The blue glows turned out to be lights on the mast of a sailboat anchored just offshore, maybe to avoid the storms. NHRA top fuel drivers Clay Millican (left) and Tony Stewart race as a dust storm approaches the track during qualifying for the Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Il. On May 16, 2025. Lightning moves across the sky over the McKenzie River near Hayden Bridge in Springfield, Ore. Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The sun rises behind a surfer at JP Luby Beach on Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The national weather service has issued a hurricane watch for the Coastal Bend as Tropical Storm Beryl travels across the Gulf. Lightning strikes behind Papago Park in Phoenix during a monsoon thunderstorm on Aug. 8, 2024. A dust storm moves across the East Valley in Phoenix as a monsoon storm approaches on Aug. 22, 2024. The sun rises over the destroyed Fort Myers Beach pier as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. The town is empty as most residents have evacuated. A double rainbow appears over Reno, Nev. on Feb. 4, 2025. Michael Hagerty is silhouetted as the sun begins to break through the clouds over West Dennis Beach, Mass. Monday morning, Feb. 10, 2025. Hagerty is from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and West Dennis and was out on the beach cross country skiing on the crunchy snow. High winds blow massive amounts of dirt and sand through the windmills where the Whitewater River flows when there is rain just west of Indian Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025. Sunset blazes over downtown Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. Olympic athletes train on the Charles River the evening before the start of the Head of the Charles Regatta rowing event, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Pablo Rodriguez of Sleepy Hollow and his children Justin. 13, and Mateo, 7, fish under storm clouds at the Tarrytown, N.Y. waterfront Aug. 6, 2024. With heavy rains forecasted for overnight and into tomorrow, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Lower Hudson Valley from 2 p.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday. Lightning strikes behind a RNC 2024 Milwaukee flag display on the opening day of the Republican National Convention on Monday July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis. Waves crash against the lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour during Storm Nelson, in Les Sables-d'Olonne, western France, on March 28, 2024. Lightning strikes in front of the Superstition Mountains as a storm approaches the East Valley on March 18, 2024. Water rushes over the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson, NJ on Friday Dec. 22, 2023. Mist from the falls created hazardous ice conditions and an opportunity for people to take photos. The landmark Kuwait Towers and other skyscrapers pierce through the cloud cover over Kuwait City on December 10, 2023. Lightning illuminates the skies over Tempe as seen from an apartment complex on Broadway Road on Aug. 31, 2023. Beachgoers check out the surf as Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida at Times Square on Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Heat lightning in the clouds rolling in over the Banana River and the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach, Fla. after dusk are captured in this 30 second exposure on Aug. 14, 2023. The first dust storm of the monsoon season rolls over Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley on July 17, 2023. Monday was the 18th day in a row of temperatures 110 degrees or more which tied the record from 1974. Football fans evacuate Kinnick Stadium as a bolt of lightning flashes overhead during a weather delay in the third quarter of Iowa's non-conference NCAA football game against Nevada on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. Lightning strikes as rain falls. Lightning strikes behind Camelback Mountain as rain falls during a monsoon storm on July 16, 2022. Lightning from a monsoon thunderstorm illuminates the sky behind the Phoenix Sky Harbor control tower on June 29, 2022. Bands of rain fall over the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale during a monsoon storm on June 26, 2022. Colder temperatures created ice pancakes on Lake Ontario in Rochester, N.Y. on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.   The Charlotte Pier was also ice covered, retaining the form of the waves that crashed over the pier. An aerial view shows a snow covered landscape on a sunny winter day of Jan. 6, 2022, near Winterberg, western Germany. Monday evening thunder storms  moving in from the west brought an incredible lightning show to the Space Coast. A single 20 second exposure captured numerous bolts over the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach, Fla. A bolt of lightning crosses the sky as people look at buildings displaying a light show on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on June 30, 2021. Lightning breaks through the clouds over agricultural fields in South Oxnard, Calif. late Monday, October 4, 2021 as an hours-long storm swept through Ventura County. Lightning sparks in the sky atop of the of the empty Beira Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, before the start of the closed-door Copa Libertadores football match between Brazil's Internacional and Argentina's Boca Juniors on December 2, 2020. The skies over the west side were ablaze in color looking down Ontario Avenue, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020, following rains in Sheboygan, Wis. A view of ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex during a lightning storm following a game between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks at The Field House on Aug. 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Maximilian Krauss of SpVgg Unterhaching controls the ball while a massive shelf cloud rolls in during the 3. Liga match between SpVgg Unterhaching and FC Carl Zeiss Jena at Alpenbauer Sportpark on July 01, 2020 in Unterhaching, Germany. Overall view of a shelf cloud with a lightning bolt from a tornado warned supercell thunderstorm on May 19, 2020 in Ulysses, Ks. Lightning crackles across the sky above a windmill along the railroad tracks in Merkel, Texas Thursday May 21, 2020. More storms are predicted for Memorial Day weekend, and later into the week beyond. Lightning  strikes behind the chapel of Panagia Gorgona in the village of Skala Sykamias, north of Lesbos, on Feb. 27, 2020. Lghtening strikes on a building during a thunderstorm in Bangkok on Oct. 27, 2019.  Lightning strikes over Tempe Town Lake,  Tempe, Ariz. during a storm on Aug. 28, 2019. Storm clouds are illuminated by the setting sun as lightning strikes near Maricopa, Ariz. on Aug. 28, 2019. Lightnings flash over the Saint-Michel Basilica during a storm in Bordeaux, southwestern France, on July 6, 2019. ( Snow covers the saguro cacti and palm trees near Carefree, Ariz. Feb. 21, 2019. A dust storm moves towards Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on Aug. 9, 2016.  Lightning streaks across the desert sky over the McDowell Mountains near Scottsdale, Ariz. during a monsoon storm on July 15, 2017.  Families and volunteers such for family papers and valuables among the debris in Beauregard, Ala., following a deadly tornado, March 7, 2019.

Lightning, tornadoes and wild storms: Incredible weather photos

The transition from cold air to warm air means that spring often produces uneven bad weather — storms, tornadoes and floods that can devastate localized areas. Here's what to know and how to stay safe.

Why is spring so volatile?

"During spring, lingering cold air from winter frequently clashes with strengthening warmth and moisture surging northward from the Gulf," he said. "At the same time, the jet stream often remains active and can dip far south, creating strong wind shear and powerful storm systems."

"That combination of temperature contrasts, moisture and atmospheric energy makes spring the peak season for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail and damaging wind gusts," Buckingham said.

"It's also a time when slow-moving storm systems can trigger significant flooding, especially in the Midwest and along major river basins."

Flood risks are often overlooked

Spring flood risks are easy to miss — heavy rain falling on saturated ground or melting snowpack can escalate into flash flooding in a matter of hours, the National Weather Service warns.

Waterlogged soil from snowmelt and early season downpours mean flash flooding can happen fast, even from storms that don't look all that bad on weather radar, according to the weather service. Cities can be particularly vulnerable because pavement prevents water from soaking in.

In the Southeast, although the region is well‑known for tornadoes, flooding is often the bigger killer. Slow‑moving thunderstorms can dump large amounts of rainfall over the same area repeatedly, overwhelming creeks, rivers, and drainage systems.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), just a few inches of fast‑moving water can sweep away vehicles, making flooded roads especially deadly.

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On the West Coast, spring storms often arrive on already‑sodden ground. That raises the risk of mudslides and debris flows, especially near burn scars from past wildfires. Even moderate rainfall can trigger slope failures.

The shoreline reflects a lightning bolt as an afternoon thunderstorm moves over Daytona Beach. The National Lightning Safety Council encourages people to head indoors after hearing the first clap of thunder.

Nocturnal tornadoes and tornado outbreaks

What surprises many people isn't just tornadoes — but tornadoes that hit after dark. Nighttime events are particularly dangerous because people are asleep and tornado warnings might not be received in time, according to the weather service.

"Many tornadoes occur at night in the spring, making them especially dangerous because people are sleeping and visibility is low," Buckingham said.

In addition, one thing people often underestimate about spring weather is how quickly conditions can change, Buckingham told USA TODAY. A warm, sunny afternoon can turn into a widespread severe weather threat by evening. The weather service warns that even experienced residents can underestimate how quickly conditions can turn life‑threatening.

Wildfires and dust storms

Many people associate wildfire season with summer, but spring can be just as dangerous, according to NOAA. Dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds create prime fire conditions — sometimes before peak heat arrives.

Another underestimated hazard is blowing dust. Spring wind events can produce sudden dust storms that reduce visibility to near zero, leading to deadly highway pileups. The weather service routinely issues high‑wind and fire‑weather warnings during spring, especially in the central U.S.

Other dangers: Late-season cold, hail, lightning and wild temperature swings

Other weather dangers include late-season snow and hard freezes, which can still occur well into spring across parts of the Plains, Midwest and Northeast, catching travelers, gardeners and even municipalities off guard, Buckingham said.

Large hail is another underestimated threat. Spring hailstorms can cause millions in damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops in a matter of minutes — even without a tornado, according to NOAA.

Frequent lightning strikes can also be a surprising danger as thunderstorm activity ramps up, Buckingham said.

In addition, "spring can also bring sharp temperature swings of 30 degrees or more in a single day behind strong cold fronts," he added.

Overall, Buckingham said, "because the atmosphere is so dynamic this time of year, it's critical for people to stay weather-aware, especially during severe weather outbreaks, and to have multiple reliable ways to receive timely warnings."

Doyle Rice is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, with a focus on weather and climate.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Spring 2026 safety tips as violent weather looms

These springtime dangers can sneak up on you

Tornadoes.Thunderstorms.Floods.Wind.Hail.Wildfires. Crazytemperature changes. Hello spring! Sure, the warmer w...

 

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