Central U.S. Braces for Severe Weather Outbreak

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A low-pressure system moving across the north-central U.S. will bring multiple chances of severe weather to the Central U.S. this week, with the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rain could also lead to flooding concerns, especially in flood-prone areas near rivers, creeks, and streams.

Why it matters

Severe weather outbreaks in the Central U.S. can cause significant property damage, disrupt transportation and power, and threaten public safety. Residents in the affected regions need to stay vigilant and prepared to respond quickly to any watches or warnings issued by local authorities.

The details

The severe weather threat will begin today as a dryline, or boundary separating warm, humid air to the east and cooler, drier air to the west, acts as a catalyst for thunderstorm development. One round of storms will impact the south-central U.S. through early afternoon, while a second round is likely to fire up along the dryline by early to mid-afternoon and push east-northeast into the evening. The primary concerns are damaging winds exceeding 60 mph, large to very large hail, and an isolated brief tornado. Slow-moving, repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rain could also lead to flooding, especially in flood-prone areas.

• Today, thunderstorms will impact the south-central U.S. through early afternoon.
• Today, a second round of thunderstorms will likely fire up along the dryline by early to mid-afternoon and push east-northeast into the evening.
• This week, a series of low-pressure systems will continue to bring chances of severe weather across the Midwest and south-central U.S.

What’s next

Residents in the affected regions should monitor the weather closely, have a severe weather kit prepared, and be ready to respond quickly to any watches or warnings issued by local authorities.