A severe weather outbreak is set to impact the central United States, bringing heavy thunderstorms, large hail, and a risk of tornadoes. The National Weather Service has identified southern and western Minnesota and northern Iowa as areas with the highest risk for severe weather.
According to the NWS, the public severe weather outlook highlights the potential for intense tornadoes, scattered large hail, and damaging winds. Monday is expected to be particularly active, with meteorologists from AccuWeather noting that a fast-moving jet stream could lead to dangerous tornado conditions in the Midwest. The worst of the storms is anticipated to hit the Upper Midwest from Monday afternoon into the night.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Alexander Duffus warned that these thunderstorms could not only produce tornadoes but also large hail and widespread damaging winds affecting regions from Minnesota and Wisconsin down through Iowa and northern Missouri.
Typically, the Upper Midwest sees its peak tornado activity in May and June. However, experts like Guy Pearson from AccuWeather emphasize that the current conditions are unusual for this time of year. He urges everyone in the area to take the severe weather threat seriously.
As the week progresses, the risk of severe thunderstorms will shift eastward. By Tuesday, areas from northern Texas to New York, New England, and southern Ontario will be at risk. Thunderstorms are expected to arrive in western and northern Texas and much of Oklahoma by Tuesday evening.
In addition to the tornado threat, a slow-moving front is likely to bring repeated rounds of thunderstorms to the Plains and Ohio Valley this week. AccuWeather warns that Oklahoma, western Missouri, and Arkansas may face significant flash flooding risks. Residents in these areas should stay alert and prepared for changing weather conditions.