Severe spring storms are set to hit the Plains and the Mississippi Valley over the weekend, bringing heavy rain, thunder, and the possibility of powerful tornadoes, large hail, and flooding. On Friday, 21 million people are at risk for severe storms stretching from northern Iowa to northeast Texas, with threats such as very large hail up to four inches in diameter, and a couple of possible strong tornadoes in Kansas City, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska. The storms have already begun on Friday morning with a tornado watch in effect for eastern Oklahoma, and they are expected to intensify mid-afternoon to early evening, with the potential to continue overnight and impact major cities like Tulsa, Kansas City, Omaha, and Des Moines.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an enhanced risk warning of severe thunderstorms for portions of eastern Nebraska, northeastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri, and southwestern Iowa on Friday. As the system moves further into the Plains Friday night into Saturday, heavy snow will develop in the Rockies. Saturday is anticipated to be the most volatile day of the outbreak, with 33 million people at risk across a large area from southern Texas to northern Michigan. The main threats on Saturday include very large hail and numerous tornadoes, some of which could be strong and travel long distances from Ames, Iowa, down to Wichita Falls, Texas.
On Sunday, the relentless storms are expected to continue over the Plains, with 20 million people from St. Louis to Dallas potentially facing hazardous weather. Although Sunday’s storms are predicted to be less severe than Saturday’s weather, residents in these areas should still be prepared for adverse conditions. The storms are part of a system that is moving across the central United States, bringing a mix of extreme weather events, from heavy rain and thunder to powerful tornadoes and large hail. It is crucial for residents to stay updated on weather alerts and be prepared to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of heightened storm activity.
As the severe weather outbreak continues over the weekend, the risk is spread across a wide area from the southern Plains up to the northern Midwest. The storms are expected to impact millions of people, with the potential for significant damage and disruption. Residents in the affected areas should closely monitor weather forecasts and warnings, and have a plan in place in case of severe weather. It is important to take these warnings seriously and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure the safety of individuals and property in the face of unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather conditions.
In conclusion, the severe spring storms that are forecast to hit the Plains and the Mississippi Valley over the weekend bring with them a range of threats, including heavy rain, thunder, powerful tornadoes, large hail, and flooding. Millions of people across several states are at risk of severe weather, with the potential for significant impacts on communities and infrastructure. It is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed, prepare for severe weather, and follow the guidance of authorities to ensure their safety during this period of heightened storm activity. By taking proactive measures and staying alert, individuals can reduce the risk of harm and protect themselves and their families from the dangers of severe weather.
