Millions of people in the central US are bracing for severe weather early this week as a powerful storm system sweeps across the region, bringing with it the potential for damaging wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes.
Parts of Nebraska and Kansas are under a Level 3 of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms on Monday, with a larger area stretching from Texas to South Dakota facing a Level 2 risk. The storms are expected to intensify in the evening and overnight, posing a greater danger to those caught unaware.
Not limited to the Plains states, a separate area in the mid-Atlantic is also at risk for thunderstorms, with the potential for damaging wind gusts and hail in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Hail the size of baseballs could pummel portions of Texas, Kansas, and southern South Dakota. The most concerning aspect is the likelihood of tornadoes, particularly from Texas to South Dakota, with nighttime tornadoes being especially dangerous due to reduced visibility.
It is crucial to stay informed and have a charged phone with alerts enabled to receive timely warnings. The severe weather threat will shift eastward on Tuesday, with storms expected to impact the Mississippi Valley and Midwest.
Areas from Arkansas to Iowa and Wisconsin are under a Level 2 risk on Tuesday, with a Level 3 risk in northeastern Missouri, southeastern Iowa, and western Illinois. Damaging wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes are possible, with the highest risk in the Level 3 area.
Heavy rainfall and flooding are additional concerns, with 1 to 3 inches of rain expected in parts of the Plains and Midwest. Cities like Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, are already experiencing flooding, and further rainfall could exacerbate the situation.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay vigilant, heed weather warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of severe weather.
