As severe thunderstorms loom over parts of the Midwest and South, weather experts are raising alarms about the potential for life-threatening flash floods, powerful tornadoes, and hail the size of baseballs.
On Tuesday night, a tornado was spotted near Salina, Kansas, roughly 90 miles north of Wichita, as reported by the National Weather Service. The agency has warned that starting Wednesday, the storm system could lead to "significant, life-threatening flash flooding."
This new flood threat comes on the heels of a recent ice storm that left many residents in Michigan dealing with the aftermath.
Potential for Devastating Floods
Starting midweek and continuing through Saturday, multiple rounds of thunderstorms are predicted to bring heavy rains to areas in Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, and the Ohio Valley. Meteorologists caution that these storms could affect the same regions repeatedly, leading to heavy rainfall and extremely dangerous flash floods capable of sweeping away vehicles.
The National Weather Service has particularly highlighted parts of Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Indiana as being at significant risk for flooding. Some areas may receive up to 15 inches of rain over the coming week, particularly in northeastern Arkansas and surrounding regions.
Threat of More Tornadoes
In addition to the flooding risk, tornadoes could reemerge overnight in Oklahoma and Kansas, further heightening concerns. The National Weather Service’s Wichita office urgently advised residents to take cover as more tornadoes could spin up from the storms. The threat of large hail and severe winds also poses a considerable danger, particularly in regions including Oklahoma City and Kansas towns like Wichita and Tulsa.
Millions in the Path of Severe Weather
An extensive area stretching from northeast Texas to Michigan is forecasted to face high winds and tornadoes. This region, with a population of around 43 million, includes major cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Memphis. Other cities like Dallas, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Nashville are also under threat from the severe storms.
Unprecedented Rainfall Expected
Meteorologist Thomas Jones from the National Weather Service in Little Rock indicated that some areas, particularly eastern Arkansas, could see rainfall levels equivalent to two months’ worth of rain within just a few days. He described the forecast as a rare event, potentially occurring only once every 25 to 50 years.
Winter Weather Affects the Upper Midwest
In Michigan, recovery efforts were underway after an ice storm left over 144,000 customers without power. Schools in several counties closed for a second day, as authorities worked to clear roads of fallen trees and power lines. A mix of sleet and freezing rain is expected to cause more hazardous conditions across Michigan and Wisconsin.
Heavy, wet snow is also likely in parts of the eastern Dakotas and Minnesota, complicating travel and recovery efforts further.
Emergency preparedness is more crucial than ever as communities brace for the potential impact of these severe weather events.
