Residents of the entire Midwest are bracing for extreme severe weather danger lasting through Tuesday evening. A mighty storm system has already produced several rounds of severe thunderstorms throughout states from Texas to the Dakotas, with the worst effects falling on the Upper Midwest—Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Weather forecasters have alerted to destructive winds, big hailstones, flash flooding, and even intense tornadoes as this multi-day outbreak continues to develop.
Tornadoes and Hail: The Most Critical Threats
One of the more immediate and ominous threats has been the development of intense tornadoes, some perhaps EF2-strength or even stronger. Monday evening saw the issuance of tornado watches and warnings for portions of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within Minnesota, Stearns and Wright counties were placed under a tornado warning by 3 p.m. CT. Not only did these areas experience major hail—reports indicate some had diameters greater than apples—they also pounded zones such as Kansas and Minnesota with hail, degrading vehicles and infrastructure.
Tornado activity will probably continue into Tuesday morning as the storm system shifts. The National Weather Service warned that the greatest risk for destructive tornadoes is after dark, when most people are at home, and to be cautious and prepared.
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Minneapolis and Des Moines Brace for Impact
Leading cities that expected such a weather event were Minneapolis and Des Moines. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) places Minneapolis at Level 4 out of 5, meaning there was a threat for widespread, life-threatening weather. Government agencies and meteorological organizations warned residents to tune in to official weather sources and prepare safe rooms. This intense incident comes on the heels of previous outbreaks that already affected Nebraska and Kansas. Specifically, a devastating tornado near Ashby, Nebraska, derailed a train, highlighting the strength of this weather system. Turbulent storm clouds and destructive hail were also photographed in Junction City, Kansas.
Widespread Risk Across the Region
Over 65 million Texas to New York residents are threatened as the storm system makes an eastward advance. Tuesday will witness severe weather threats extending into Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Urban cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Rochester fall under a Level 3 risk area, with possible danger comprising huge hailstones, damaging winds, and single tornadoes.
By Wednesday, another system will emerge over the South Plains, more threatening areas from northern Texas southward to southern Missouri. Accuweather forecasters have documented the unusual extent and duration of this severe-weather pattern as a “multiday outbreak” that will likely affect millions across several states.
Preparedness and Warnings
On the basis of the seriousness of the situation, citizens in the affected areas are highly recommended to take all warnings seriously and monitor carefully from where the weather forecast predicts it is happening. Tornado “watch” means that we are in an area favorable to tornado development, tornado “warning” indicates that either conditions have been confirmed by a radar-detected or spotted tornado, and it is on its way. In these circumstances, the immediate action, for instance, locating the cellar or an interior room, is first.
City and state emergency management directors are coordinating efforts to respond and have emphasized personal preparation. Flash flooding is also possible, with some areas likely to receive 5 inches or more of rain within a matter of hours.
Final Thoughts
Tuesday evening is a real danger of extreme weather over a wide area of the Midwest and eastern U.S. With destructive hail, strong tornadoes, and damaging winds in the forecast, this is no ordinary spring storm but rather part of a bigger and more ominous outbreak. Staying aware, listening to warnings, and having a plan are keys to safety as this weather system develops further.
