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Strong storms threaten central US with tornadoes, rain and hail

Online Niel October 31, 2024

A collision between a cold front and warm, moist air from the central US is expected produces strong storms capable of producing tornadoes across the region Wednesday, forecasters say.

Along with possible twisters, the storms are forecast to produce large hail, flooding rain and wind gusts strong enough to uproot trees and snap power lines. Forecasters expect weather conditions to worsen Wednesday and continue overnight into Thursday as the storms expand in size.

The worst conditions are most likely to affect the central Plains region, including southeastern Nebraska, northwestern Missouri, central and eastern Kansas, and parts of northeastern Oklahoma. according to the National Meteorological Service. The weather service said the storms bring an increased threat of EF2 to EF5 tornadoes, which can pack winds of 111 mph to 200 mph.

Forecasters say the storms will form as a cold front pushing in from the west collides with warm, moist air moving north off the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters are warning millions of residents in the central US to charge their phones and monitor their devices for emergency alerts.

“With any severe threat that occurs at night, the risk to life and property is increased due to reduced visibility after dark, especially for tornadoes,” it said. Grady Gilman, a meteorologist with AccuWeather.

Parts of every state in the Plains and Midwest regions are suffering drought conditionswith some portions of land affected by severe and extreme drought, according to the US Drought Monitor.

Through Wednesday and Thursday, forecasters expect rain to spoil Halloween festivities in parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region, including major cities like Detroit and Cleveland. AccuWeather reported. The storms may also put a damper on vacation plans in the South, especially across a stretch of the region from Houston to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for parts of the Mountain West

Moderate to heavy snow is expected at higher elevations in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado on Wednesday thanks to a strong storm, according to the weather service.

More winter storm warnings and winter weather warnings that were placed earlier this week remain in effect across the region. Those in the mountain ranges may see up to a foot of snow as cooler air combines with high humidity. Conditions can make travel difficult, especially in the dark.

“Be prepared for wintry driving conditions and slower travel if you must venture into the high country,” the weather service said. “In the wake of the storm, much cooler air will lead to freezing and freezing concerns for the lower elevations.”