A dangerous severe weather outbreak is threatening over 100 million people across the central and eastern United States, with potential for destructive, hurricane-force wind gusts and strong tornadoes starting Friday. The multi-day event has forecasters concerned, as it could unleash powerful thunderstorms across a wide region spanning more than 30 states.
Friday’s focus will be on the central U.S., with a powerful squall line expected to develop across Missouri and Iowa during the afternoon and charge eastward through the Mississippi Valley.
The highest risk for tornadoes, particularly strong tornadoes rated EF-2 or higher, stretches over 750 miles from Iowa to Mississippi, with the overall tornado threat spanning over 1,000 miles.
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Nearly 70 million people are at risk of severe weather on Friday, with more than 6.5 million in portions of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas under high risk. Cities like St. Louis, Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign are in the highest threat zone.
On Saturday, the powerful storm system will continue its eastward movement, placing tens of millions of people from the Gulf Coast to the southern Great Lakes at risk of strong to severe thunderstorms.
A corridor of rich Gulf moisture is expected to set up from central and southern Mississippi into northern Alabama, creating a favorable environment for severe weather ahead of a surging cold front. With strong wind shear in place, conditions will allow for the development of supercell thunderstorms and another fast-moving squall line.
Thunderstorms could again produce hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and torrential rain, leading to flooding. Currently, more than 6.5 million people from Louisiana to Alabama are under high risk, including cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery.
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Sunday will bring the severe weather threat to the East Coast, impacting over 45 million people from northern Florida to New Jersey, including the heavily traveled Interstate 95 corridor. While the threat for hail and tornadoes diminishes, damaging winds remain a significant concern.
Residents are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates, understand the difference between weather watches and warnings, and have a plan in place to take shelter if severe weather approaches.
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