Up to 22 states across the central and southern U.S. are gearing up for a stretch of severe weather through the weekend. Meteorologists warn that thunderstorms, hail, and strong wind gusts could cause damage in many areas starting Thursday and lasting into Saturday.
A weather front currently sitting over the Central and Southern Rockies will push northeast. This movement is expected to bring showers and storms to the Northern and Central Plains, Southern High Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, and Great Lakes regions. The storms won’t stop there. Rain and thunder are set to continue across the Upper Mississippi Valley, Upper Great Lakes, Middle Mississippi Valley, and Central and Southern Plains through Saturday.
Saturday looks especially risky. There’s a moderate chance of severe storms, with isolated tornadoes possible in Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Wind gusts could reach 60 to 70 miles per hour in and around cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock, which could lead to localized damage.
Spring is usually when severe weather peaks in these parts of the country, but this fall is shaping up to have a second round. That’s because the jet stream, which influences weather patterns, is dipping farther south. This brings late-summer warmth into contact with cooler air moving down from the north. This clash creates the perfect conditions for storms to develop.
The biggest threats this season will likely be damaging wind gusts and straight-line winds, which tend to cover wide areas. Forecasters expect October to bring some strong temperature differences between the South and the northern Plains. These shifts often lead to severe storms, including possible tornadoes late in the season, especially in the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
People living in the affected areas should keep an eye on local weather updates and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued. Severe weather can change quickly, so staying informed is key to staying safe.