The United States is locked into a dangerous weather pattern this week as a series of powerful storm systems moves from the Plains toward the East Coast.
Following a series of rain-wrapped tornadoes intercepted by meteorologists in the Midwest on Tuesday, the threat of extreme weather is expected to intensify through the weekend.
Forecasters are tracking a massive stretch of potential severe weather on Wednesday, covering territory from north-central Texas all the way up to central Wisconsin and as far east as New York and Pennsylvania.
While much of the region faces damaging winds and hail, the highest risk for intense storms remains concentrated between the Red River in Texas and northwestern Illinois. Residents in major hubs, including New York City, are being warned of potential flash flooding as heavy downpours hit already saturated ground.
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In the Great Lakes region, the situation is becoming critical as new rainfall mixes with existing snowmelt. This combination has triggered a fresh surge of water into local streams and rivers.
“Moderate to major flooding will persist through midweek,” according to reports from AccuWeather, and many rivers are not expected to crest or begin receding until the weekend at the earliest. It may take several weeks for water levels to return to normal.
A brief transition is expected on Thursday as one system moves out, but the reprieve will be short-lived. Even during this shift, storms capable of 65 mph wind gusts and isolated tornadoes could still strike parts of the Tennessee Valley and the Northeast.
By Friday and Saturday, the focus shifts back to the central U.S. with renewed energy. A “high-risk” zone has been established for Friday, centered around the Kansas City metro area and stretching from Texas to Minnesota.
This second wave of storms is predicted to be even more potent than the first, bringing a widespread threat of tornadoes and destructive winds.
By Saturday, the volatile weather will push into Michigan and Ontario, while drought-stricken areas of the Southeast are once again expected to miss out on the much-needed rainfall.
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