A relentless barrage of severe thunderstorms is set to grip the central United States through midweek, bringing significant risks of damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. The storm activity, which began stretching from southwestern Wisconsin and western Illinois down to northern Texas, is expected to intensify with multiple rounds over the coming days, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Ryan Adamson.
This latest round of tumultuous weather follows a period of intense storms across the U.S. from May 26-30, which impacted states including Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia with hail and tornadoes.
READ: Bear Sightings On The Rise In Florida As Juveniles Disperse
AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham explained, “A dynamic pair of storms are expected to work in tandem to prompt a risk for severe weather across the center of the nation on Monday, with hail, damaging winds and the potential for a few tornadoes.” This active pattern is fueled by a strengthening jet stream over the Plains and a northward flow of warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico.
On Tuesday, the severe weather threat will expand, impacting a corridor from southwestern Wisconsin and western Illinois southwestward to northern Texas. Major metropolitan areas like Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Dallas are squarely in the path of potential strong thunderstorms.
The severe weather will then shift eastward on Wednesday. Buckingham noted, “Another wave of low pressure is expected to roll out of the Rockies and into the central United States into midweek, which can keep the risk for severe weather in place across the center of the nation.”
READ: Florida Gas Prices See Slight Uptick, Remain Within Stable Range
Beyond the immediate severe threats, this new storm system is also expected to enhance rainfall across the affected region. While some areas, particularly those experiencing a developing drought, will welcome the moisture, others face an elevated risk of localized flooding.
Central and southern Missouri, southeastern Kansas, and Oklahoma have already experienced well-above-average rainfall in May.
Springfield, Missouri, for instance, recorded 7.57 inches of rain last month, with over half of that falling within a three-day span, leading to elevated river and stream levels. This antecedent moisture increases the potential for significant localized flooding with any additional heavy downpours.
READ: Terrorism Charges Filed After Flamethrower Attack Injures 8 At Pro-Israel Event In Colorado
Looking ahead, showers and thunderstorms are forecast to continue their eastward progression through the end of the week. Another cold front is anticipated to move into the Plains by next weekend, potentially reigniting the threat of severe weather in parts of the region, ensuring a wild week of weather for the central U.S.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
