Spring may be here, but don’t expect sunshine-filled days anytime soon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center has issued an alert for an intense storm system that will bring "a barrage of life-threatening weather, including flash flooding and strong tornadoes." The "multi-day catastrophic and potentially historic event" is already in full swing, with tornado warnings in place in several regions. Elsewhere, folks are preparing for heavy rainstorms and even snow. Get the lowdown below.
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A "widespread threat" of "volatile" tornado outbreaks has been issued to 10 major cities.
As of this morning, a rare high-risk severe weather outlook has been issued for parts of the Midwest and South. Meteorologists are tracking "multiple long-lived EF3 or stronger tornadoes" that could potentially strike "anywhere from northern Texas to the Great Lakes today and tonight," reports The Weather Channel. EF3 tornadoes can produce 136 to 165 mile-per-hour winds, severe structural damage, uprooted trees, and flipped cars.
High-risk severe forecasts are extremely rare. The Weather Channel says the "volatile setup" will consist of "severe weather-packing tornadoes, destructive straight-line winds, and hail the size of golf balls or larger." A series of developing supercell thunderstorms could trigger twisters in the ArkLaTex, mid-Mississippi, and Ohio Valley regions. As the day progresses, these storms will travel eastward.
Weather experts are cautioning folks in Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Little Rock, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville and Dallas-Fort Worth to stay vigilant for potential tornado warnings well into tonight.
"In some cases, the severe weather threat will be in the evening or overnight, so be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially in eastern areas of the severe weather forecast," advises The Weather Channel.
By Thursday and Friday, there is a reduced threat of possible twisters. However, a cluster of strong thunderstorms could set the stage for tornadoes in Texas and the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.
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Some regions will get more than 15 inches of rainfall.
Starting tonight through Sunday, the Lower Ohio Valley, Mid-South, and Ozarks could experience "dangerous and catastrophic life-threatening" flash floods, per a weather alert issued by The NOAA Weather Prediction Center. In some areas, total rainfall amounts could reach up to 15+ inches.
Repeated rounds of heavy rainfall will result in flooded creeks and highways, making transportation impossible. The multi-day event will also increase the risk of possible tornadoes. The back-to-back storms mean many towns will experience little to no relief, thus exasperating flooding conditions and potential damage.
The corridor stretching from the Lower Ohio Valley and Mid South to the ArkLaTex is under "Moderate Risk" for torrential rain through Thursday. The NOAA Weather Prediction Center has given a "High Risk" warning (level 4 out of 4) to western Kentucky, parts of Missouri, northwestern Tennessee, and northeastern Arkansas, where flash floods are expected to be the most "life-threatening."
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A late winter storm will bring more than 8 inches of heavy snow.
A trough of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is taking over the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest today. Minnesota is getting the brunt of it; the NOAA Weather Prediction Center says the state could get more than a foot of snow (over 30 percent chance). Looking to the east, flurries are expected in upstate New York and New England this evening.
It’s more likely that regions will experience a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain than actual snow, particularly in the northern Great Lakes and interior Northeast. Conditions are expected to progress through Thursday. Meanwhile, mountain ranges across the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin, including the Colorado Rockies and the Four Corners, are forecasted to get "moderate snow totals."
Experts are encouraging East Coast travelers to reconsider their plans, especially if traveling by car, as freezing rain will make conditions hazardous.
