Severe Thunderstorms Threaten 175 Million in Eastern U.S. This Weekend

Wayne County, Missouri – Severe thunderstorms are poised to impact nearly 175 million people in the central and eastern United States this weekend, as an unseasonable warm front sets the stage for potentially destructive weather. The storms, forecasted for Sunday and Monday, come on the heels of multiple recent tornado reports and destructive weather that has already affected the region.

As meteorological conditions shift, a stark clash of warm, moist air from the south and chilly air from the north will likely fuel explosive thunderstorms. According to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), over 25 million people are currently under a level 3 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms. Key cities including Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis fall within this area of concern.

“We’re looking at a significant weather event. Expect damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes as this system moves through,” said Jeff Roberson of the Associated Press, who has been covering the unfolding weather patterns. “The storms will begin as early as late Sunday afternoon, expanding eastward through the night.”

The weekend weather forecast initially predicts mild temperatures, reminiscent of late spring, across the Eastern U.S. But as a cold front advances from the Midwest to the southern Plains, it will quickly cool the region and trigger severe weather. Meteorologists expect that thunderstorms will begin forming Saturday night, primarily affecting areas from Kansas and Missouri to Iowa.

Sunday’s forecast shows a high probability of large hail, with stones potentially exceeding golf balls in size, accompanied by damaging winds and the risk of tornadoes rated EF2 or greater. Notably, nighttime tornadoes pose an increased risk of fatalities, being nearly twice as deadly as those that occur during daylight. “The danger is certainly amplified once the sun goes down,” Roberson added.

This year has already seen a significant uptick in tornado activity, with approximately 300 reported since January. This figure indicates a stark increase compared to the mere 164 noted by the same time last year. According to historical data, only three out of the past 13 years have recorded higher numbers of tornadoes during the first three months of the year.

As the system moves into Monday, severe storms may continue to threaten areas extending from the Appalachians to Louisiana and Mississippi. While some thunderstorms may weaken at dawn, they are expected to re-intensify by the afternoon, spreading further into the eastern U.S.

“It is crucial for residents in the forecast area to remain vigilant, as the storms could bring life-threatening conditions,” warned SPC meteorologist. Meteorological predictions indicate that major cities, including New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago, will experience the threat of severe weather through Monday evening.

The SPC continues to monitor conditions closely. Meteorologists are already anticipating another severe thunderstorm threat on Wednesday, compounding an already tumultuous spring weather season.