Severe Weather Alert: Tornadoes, Hail, and Flooding Threaten Midwest and South

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Central Ohio residents are advised to prepare for severe thunderstorms that will sweep across the region late tonight and into the early hours of Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes.

The storm system is expected to move into Central Ohio after 10 PM with winds gusting up to 60 mph and torrential rainfall surpassing three inches possible before the end of the week. Flood watches will be in effect starting Wednesday night through Sunday morning due to saturated soil and rising rivers in the area.

“This storm brings a multi-faceted threat,” said meteorologist Ivy S. Fowler of WWMT. “Individuals should have multiple ways to receive alerts as conditions can change rapidly.”

Earlier today, severe thunderstorms have already been reported in the Midwest with a tornado confirmed in northeast Oklahoma, causing tree damage near Owasso, and another tornado reported in Nevada, Missouri. As the storm pushes eastward, alerts have been issued from northern Texas to the Great Lakes, indicating the widespread threat of dangerous conditions.

“We are facing a rare level 5 out of 5 severe weather outlook,” noted a spokesperson from the Storm Prediction Center. “The potential for long-lived tornadoes remains a significant concern through tonight.”

Areas across the South and Midwest, particularly from Memphis to Little Rock and into parts of Ohio, are on heightened alert. “The severe storm threat will be in place this afternoon and into the night, providing enough energy to trigger intense thunderstorms,” the Weather Channel proclaimed.

As the week progresses, further severe weather potential remains on the horizon. A cold front will stall, keeping the risk of severe storms active, with additional threats anticipated through the weekend, particularly in the lower Mississippi Valley.

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, News Channel 3 has issued a Weather Alert Day due to the enhanced risk of severe storms presenting damaging winds and heavy rain localized to various areas of West Michigan. Throughout this region, residents have been cautioned to prepare for possible flooding and fast-changing conditions as new systems move in.

Locally, crews are still working to restore power in areas affected by previous storms that knocked out electricity to tens of thousands. Local emergency management officials continue to monitor conditions closely and urge residents to remain vigilant.

The Weather Channel reports that days of severe weather coupled with heavy rains may adversely affect areas in the mid-South and East through at least Saturday, necessitating continued updates for the public.