Severe weather outbreak has tens of millions on alert as thunderstorms, tornadoes expected across 25 states

Tens of Millions on High Alert for Severe Weather Outbreak Across Over 25 States

Starting this Friday, a significant severe weather outbreak is expected to impact tens of millions of people across more than 25 states. The potential outbreak is forecasted to bring powerful thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts, and even tornadoes. The FOX Forecast Center has highlighted that the most concerning period for this severe weather is over the weekend, but thunderstorms could begin as early as Wednesday and Thursday. Residents in the Ark-La-Tex region, the Deep South, and the Gulf Coast are advised to remain vigilant as the storm system progresses.

Wednesday and Thursday Thunderstorms: Targeting the South

On Wednesday, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has identified areas in the southern Plains and the lower Mississippi Valley as regions at risk for strong to severe thunderstorms. Specifically, over four million people in southeastern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, western Arkansas, and northwestern Louisiana are under a Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk. The primary threats for Wednesday are large hail and damaging winds, with the possibility of supercell thunderstorms that could elevate the hail threat.

On Thursday, the focus shifts to eastern Mississippi, Alabama, western Georgia, and the western Florida Panhandle. Cities such as Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham in Alabama fall under a Level 1 out of 5 threat. While the risk is currently lower on Thursday, conditions remain conducive for thunderstorms to develop, with the potential for similar hazards as Wednesday.

Friday and the Weekend: Severe Weather Expansion

The severe weather event is expected to intensify starting Friday. A rapidly strengthening low-pressure system will move across the central Plains, bringing a strong cold front and pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico into the lower and mid-Mississippi Valley, potentially reaching as far north as Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. This combination of moisture and wind shear creates a favorable environment for severe weather, including supercell thunderstorms and a fast-moving squall line.

Cities such as St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock are under a Level 3 out of 5 threat, with over 13 million people in northern Mississippi to Illinois at higher risk. The FOX Forecast Center warns of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, with some tornadoes potentially reaching EF-2 strength or higher.

Saturday: Impacting the Gulf Coast and Southern Great Lakes

On Saturday, the storm system moves east, placing tens of millions from the Gulf Coast to the southern Great Lakes at risk. A corridor of Gulf moisture from central and southern Mississippi into northern Alabama is expected to enhance severe weather conditions. Cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Atlanta are under a Level 3 out of 5 risk. Superstorms could bring hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and torrential rain, leading to potential flooding.

Sunday: Severe Weather Threatens the East Coast

By Sunday, the severe weather risk expands to the East Coast, affecting over 45 million people along the Interstate 95 corridor from Florida to New Jersey. The FOX Forecast Center notes that while the threat for hail and tornadoes diminishes, damaging winds remain a significant concern. Major cities including Savannah, Charleston, Raleigh, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are under a Level 2 out of 5 threat.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Prepared

This multiday severe weather event poses significant risks across a vast portion of the United States. It is crucial for residents in the affected regions to stay informed through weather updates and emergency alerts. Preparedness is key, especially for those in areas under higher threat levels. Remaining vigilant and having a plan in place will help ensure safety as this storm system progresses.