Severe Storms Threaten Central U.S. with Tornadoes and Flooding
Severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, is expected to impact the central United States this weekend, affecting millions across multiple states.
The central United States is bracing for severe weather this weekend, with forecasts indicating a significant risk of tornadoes and flooding across multiple states. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has identified a threat zone extending from North Texas to Michigan, placing approximately 38 million people at risk on Friday.
The highest tornado risk is anticipated in Iowa, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois, with cities such as Tulsa, Wichita, Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, and St. Louis potentially affected. The National Weather Service has also issued warnings for flooding due to persistent rainfall and thunderstorms in northern Michigan, Wisconsin, western Missouri, and eastern Kansas.
In response to the impending storms, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-08, declaring a State of Emergency and activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan. This action enables state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to expedite assistance. Governor Kehoe emphasized the severity of the situation, stating,
"The National Weather Service has cautioned that the threat of severe storms throughout the state tonight may produce damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes."
Residents are urged to stay informed through local weather forecasts and have multiple means of receiving alerts, especially during overnight hours when severe weather can be particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service advises identifying a safe shelter in advance and being prepared to take cover quickly.
As the storms progress into the evening, a significant threat of damaging winds is expected to develop across the Lower Missouri Valley into the Middle Mississippi Valley. Additionally, abundant moisture and an approaching upper-level trough are forecasted to produce hourly rainfall rates of one to two inches, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
In Wisconsin, where floodwaters reached record levels earlier this week, communities have begun cleanup efforts. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services cautions residents and crews to remain vigilant while assessing damage or clearing debris, noting that more severe weather is still on the way. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson described the damage as "an overwhelming force of nature," highlighting that some neighborhoods received a month's worth of rain in just one to two hours.
The National Weather Service's Washington/Baltimore office has also issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Virginia's eastern panhandle and the I-81 corridor, citing low humidity, dry fuels, near-record temperatures, and wind gusts up to 25 mph.
Temperatures are expected to remain well above average across much of the eastern and central U.S. through Friday, reaching the 70s and 80s across the Midwest and the 80s to low 90s in the Southwest. An approaching cold front is anticipated to bring below-average temperatures to the region thereafter.
