Severe weather is expected across the Plains and Midwest over the weekend and into early next week, bringing high threats of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds through Tuesday.
Nearly 50 million Americans are expected to remain under severe storm warnings Sunday and Monday, with about 8 million at risk on Sunday and nearly 40 million on Monday, according to ABC News.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center raised the risk level for southeast Oklahoma to 4 out of 5, classified as “moderate risk,” due to the possibility of giant hail and one or two strong tornadoes.
On Thursday evening, a 170-175 mph EF4 tornado caused extensive destruction near Enid, Oklahoma, damaging and destroying several buildings. This marked the first EF4 tornado in Garfield County, Oklahoma, since April 26, 1991.
USA weather forecast
Meanwhile, a line of showers and thunderstorms is moving across parts of the south, while more storms are expected over the plains later in the day.
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The threat of severe weather is set to intensify again on Saturday as a new weather boundary is likely to develop. Areas marked under the “very likely” risk zone, including Ada, Oklahoma, could face giant hail of 2 to 4 inches or more, along with strong tornadoes rated above EF2, according to The Weather Channel.
Storm activity is expected to begin during the afternoon and continue to intensify during the evening, especially from eastern Kansas to northern Texas and northern Louisiana. Cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Wichita and Shreveport may all experience severe weather conditions.
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On Sunday, the risk of supercell thunderstorms will remain high across the central and southern Plains, especially across parts of Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. With warm, moist air and strong wind shear creating favorable conditions, these storms could produce strong tornadoes along with very large hail and damaging wind gusts.
Cities like Kansas City and Oklahoma City are expected to remain on alert. A relatively lower severe weather threat may also affect cities such as Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, where large hail and strong winds are possible.
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On Monday, the increased threat of severe weather could reportedly extend into the Mississippi Valley and lower Ohio Valley. Another round of supercell thunderstorms with the potential to produce strong tornadoes may develop across parts of Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. Some of these tornadoes could be long and particularly dangerous. Cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, Little Rock, Nashville, Indianapolis, Chicago and Des Moines will remain on alert.
By Tuesday, although that is still some time away, the remaining frontal boundary could continue to trigger severe storms in parts of the Gulf Coast states. The highest risk is expected to stretch from northeast Texas to northwest Alabama. Cities like Memphis, Little Rock, Shreveport and Huntsville are likely to face the biggest threat and should keep a close eye on weather updates.
