The severe storm onslaught in the central United States is expected to be relentless over the next four days, posing a significant threat to the region. Meteorologists and weather experts are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
This weather pattern is a result of a complex interaction between multiple weather systems, including a potent low-pressure system and a strong cold front sweeping across the region. As these systems collide, they will create an environment ripe for the development of severe thunderstorms.
Tornadoes, one of the most destructive and deadly forms of severe weather, are a primary concern during this storm outbreak. The atmospheric conditions are conducive to the formation of these violent storms, which can cause widespread damage and put lives at risk. Residents in the affected areas are advised to have a plan in place and be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado warning is issued.
In addition to tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are also expected to accompany these severe thunderstorms. Wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, capable of toppling trees, downing power lines, and causing structural damage. Large hailstones, some potentially exceeding the size of golf balls, can cause extensive damage to vehicles, roofs, and other property.
What makes this storm onslaught particularly concerning is its prolonged duration. Some areas are facing the threat of severe thunderstorms spanning two or three consecutive days. This extended period of severe weather increases the likelihood of significant impacts, as the ground becomes saturated and more susceptible to flooding, and the risk of power outages and infrastructure damage escalates.
Local emergency management agencies and meteorological services are working tirelessly to keep the public informed and prepared. They are issuing regular updates and warnings, utilizing advanced radar technology and satellite imagery to track the storms’ progression and intensity. It is crucial for residents to stay tuned to reliable sources of information, such as local news channels and official weather websites, to receive the latest updates and heed any evacuation orders or safety recommendations.
As the severe storm onslaught unfolds in the central United States, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Communities must come together to support one another, checking on vulnerable neighbors and ensuring that everyone has access to necessary supplies and shelter. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, we can mitigate the potential impact of these severe storms and protect lives and property.
Impacted Cities
Cities such as Dallas, Kansas City, Missouri, Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, are among the locations that could be hit by multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms through Sunday. This weather pattern is a classic setup for severe weather during springtime.
Thursday: Central and Southern Plains
Thursday marks the start of the multi-day severe threat. In the morning, a few thunderstorms were observed in parts of eastern Kansas and Arkansas. However, a more organized threat is expected in the afternoon. Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to develop in the late afternoon in parts of Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. These storms will expand in scope and strength as they track eastward through the evening and overnight.
Storms in parts of Texas and Oklahoma are also expected to intensify in the evening and charge eastward overnight. While damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes are possible in any storm, some regions may experience more extreme hazards. Western Kansas, for example, could see hail the size of golf balls to baseballs and strong tornadoes with at least EF2-strength. In Oklahoma and Texas, large hail, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and tornadoes are possible within storms. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms for these two areas.
Additionally, heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding are possible on Thursday, even in areas not at risk of severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a level 2 out of 4 risk of excessive rainfall for parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. These areas could experience rainfall rates of more than 2 inches per hour during the heaviest storms.
The combination of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall poses a significant threat to the Central and Southern Plains. The potential for flash flooding is heightened due to the saturated ground from recent storms. The excessive rainfall could quickly overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to accumulate on roads, leading to hazardous driving conditions. In addition, the heavy downpours could result in rapid rises in rivers and streams, increasing the risk of river flooding.
The severe thunderstorms, with their potential for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, also pose a threat to property and personal safety. Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops, while strong winds can uproot trees, damage structures, and knock down power lines. Tornadoes, with their violent rotating winds, can cause widespread destruction and pose a serious risk to anyone in their path.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about the weather conditions and have a plan in place in case severe weather strikes. This includes identifying safe locations in their homes or nearby buildings where they can take shelter during a tornado warning. It is also important to have a way to receive weather alerts, such as a NOAA Weather Radio or a smartphone app, and to monitor local news and updates from meteorological agencies.
Emergency management officials are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any severe weather events. They are urging residents to heed any evacuation orders or other instructions from authorities to ensure their safety. It is crucial for individuals to take the necessary precautions and stay vigilant during this period of heightened severe weather activity.
Friday: Plains, Mississippi Valley, Midwest
Some severe storms from Thursday night are expected to persist into Friday morning in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. These lingering storms may bring damaging winds and hail, with the possibility of an isolated tornado.
The next round of severe thunderstorms is forecasted to develop in the mid-to-late afternoon in eastern Nebraska and Kansas. These storms will then track eastward into Iowa and Missouri through the evening. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms for these states on Friday.
As the day progresses, the atmosphere will become increasingly unstable, providing favorable conditions for severe weather development. The main threats associated with these storms include large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding in some areas.
In addition to the severe weather potential, there is also a risk of isolated tornadoes. The combination of strong wind shear and ample moisture will create an environment conducive to tornado formation. Residents in the affected areas should stay alert and have a plan in place in case severe weather warnings are issued.
Furthermore, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the potential for strong, long-track tornadoes across parts of the Mississippi Valley. This means that there is a heightened risk of tornadoes that could stay on the ground for an extended period of time, causing significant damage.
It is important for residents in the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest regions to stay informed about the weather conditions and heed any warnings or watches that are issued. This includes keeping an eye on local news and weather updates, as well as having a reliable way to receive severe weather alerts, such as a weather radio or smartphone app.
Remember, severe weather can develop rapidly, so it is crucial to be prepared and take appropriate safety measures. This includes seeking shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows, and staying informed about the latest developments from local authorities and meteorologists.
Saturday has the potential to be the most dangerous day of the four if certain atmospheric conditions align. The strength of storms on this day depends on how Friday night’s storms evolve and linger into Saturday morning.
If the storms hang around in the morning hours, the atmosphere will not fully recharge, resulting in less widespread and potentially less dangerous storms. However, if the storms quickly clear out on Saturday morning, there will be no limit to how strong the storms could become.
Starting in the afternoon, the most significant storms are possible in parts of the southern and central plains, where a level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms is in place. Widespread damaging wind gusts, hail up to the size of baseballs, and strong tornadoes are the main hazards associated with these storms. The tornado threat may increase considerably through the late afternoon and evening hours.
Outside of the greatest risk area, a large portion of the country, from the Great Lakes to southern Texas, could still experience damaging storms. The Weather Prediction Center has warned of a “significant rainfall event” on Saturday, with some locations potentially receiving close to 5 inches of rain in a short period. Dangerous flash flooding could result from this heavy rainfall. A level 3 out of 4 risk of excessive rainfall has been issued for a large portion of Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Intense rainfall may cause streams to overflow their banks and flood roadways.
Furthermore, the severe weather threat extends beyond just thunderstorms. The potential for severe weather on Saturday also includes the possibility of strong straight-line winds, which can cause significant damage to structures and trees. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds can lead to power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
In addition to the severe weather, the atmospheric conditions on Saturday could also create an environment conducive to the development of large hail. Hailstones can form when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the storm, causing them to freeze and accumulate layers of ice. Depending on the size and intensity of the storms, hailstones can range from small pellets to large, destructive chunks of ice.
Given the potential for such dangerous weather conditions on Saturday, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions. This includes staying updated on weather forecasts, having a plan for seeking shelter in the event of severe weather, and ensuring that emergency supplies are readily available. It is also important to heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities and to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm activity.
On Sunday, the weather forecast for the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest regions is indicating the possibility of damaging storms. This includes areas spanning from Texas all the way up to Wisconsin. However, the intensity, duration, and coverage of these storms will largely depend on the behavior of the storms that occur on Saturday night.
As meteorologists closely monitor the atmospheric conditions, they are keeping a watchful eye on the storms that are expected to form during the overnight hours. These storms could potentially set the stage for what unfolds on Sunday. If the storms on Saturday night are relatively weak and dissipate quickly, it could result in a more stable atmosphere for Sunday, potentially limiting the severity of the storms. On the other hand, if the storms on Saturday night are more intense and persistent, they could leave behind boundaries and leftover energy that could fuel the development of stronger storms on Sunday.
The timing of these storms is also a crucial factor to consider. If the storms occur during the morning hours, they could disrupt the atmospheric conditions and limit the development of severe weather later in the day. Conversely, if the storms hold off until the afternoon or evening, it could allow for more instability to build up, increasing the potential for severe storms.
Furthermore, the extent of the storms is another aspect that forecasters are carefully monitoring. While the entire region from Texas to Wisconsin is under the threat of damaging storms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every location within that area will experience severe weather. The storms could be more localized, impacting certain areas while sparing others. This makes it crucial for residents and authorities to stay updated with the latest weather information and heed any warnings or watches issued by the National Weather Service.
Looking ahead to Monday, the forecast suggests that the severe weather threat will become much more isolated. The focus of any developing storms is expected to shift towards the Gulf Coast region. This means that areas in the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest can anticipate a decrease in the potential for severe weather as Monday progresses. However, it’s important to note that weather patterns can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly. Therefore, it is always advisable to stay informed and prepared for any unexpected developments.
