A significant and potentially dangerous outbreak of severe weather is forecast to impact a large portion of the central United States later this week, with the possibility of tornadoes, according to AccuWeather.
As a powerful storm system develops east of the Rockies, meteorologists are predicting a widespread eruption of severe thunderstorms, including the risk of tornadoes, on Friday and Saturday, stretching from the Great Plains to the Mississippi Valley.
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The storm system has the potential to be one of the strongest on record for the region in terms of low pressure, which would translate to a significant amount of energy available for severe weather, including strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall.
Threat Timeline:
- Wednesday: Locally severe thunderstorms may develop in the south-central U.S.
- Thursday: Potent thunderstorms are possible in parts of western and central Texas and Oklahoma late Thursday and Thursday night.
- Friday: The first “big day” of severe weather is expected, with nearly 500,000 square miles at risk. The threat extends from the Gulf Coast to the Canadian border, encompassing areas from Texas and Oklahoma to Michigan and the Deep South. The primary threat will be high winds, with gusts up to 100 mph possible, along with large hail and heavy rain.
- Saturday: The severe weather threat continues, shifting eastward. The greatest concentration of severe storms is expected in the southeastern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, the Florida Panhandle, and Georgia. The same threats of damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain persist, with a potential for flash flooding.
- Sunday: Severe weather will likely continue as storms move towards the Atlantic coast.
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Both Friday and Saturday carry a significant tornado threat. The number and intensity of tornadoes will depend on the development of discrete, isolated storms known as supercells. These storms are known to produce the strongest tornadoes. Daytime heating and sunshine will play a crucial role in supercell development.
Even without supercells, embedded tornadoes are possible within squall lines of thunderstorms producing widespread straight-line wind gusts and heavy downpours.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions. AccuWeather recommends having multiple ways to receive weather alerts and a plan in place for severe weather.
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