Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Severe Storms Threaten Midwest and South with Flash Flooding and Tornadoes
Following a bout of severe weather that brought thunderstorms, large hail, and tornadoes to portions of the Midwest and the South, the regions are bracing for another assault of dangerous storms, including the potential for life-threatening flash flooding.
Fatalities Reported from Previous Storms
The severe weather on Monday resulted in at least seven fatalities. Four deaths were reported in Michigan, two in Indiana, and one in Oklahoma. The destructive system unleashed heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and tornadoes across areas including Landry Parish, Louisiana, and Maury County, Tennessee.
Tuesday’s Weather Hazards: Hail and Tornado Risk
On Tuesday, approximately 11 million individuals from central Texas to southern Iowa are under threat of very large hail and the possibility of strong tornadoes. Cities within this risk zone encompass Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and San Angelo, Texas.
Widespread Flash Flood and Tornado Threat on Wednesday
The forecast for Wednesday indicates a heightened risk of severe weather, including dangerous flash flooding, strong tornadoes, and hail potentially reaching two inches in diameter. This expansive threat encompasses 70 million people from central Michigan to northern Texas. Cities in the path of potential severe weather include Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Shreveport, Louisiana; St. Louis, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Louisville, Kentucky.
Prolonged Flash Flood Event Expected
This multi-day flash flood event is anticipated to persist through Sunday. Currently, Flood Watches are in effect for an estimated 22 million people, stretching from the Ark-La-Tex region to central Ohio, signaling a significant and widespread risk of flooding.
Urban and River Flooding Concerns
Authorities are warning of likely life-threatening and destructive urban flash flooding and river flooding. Some cities, particularly Little Rock and Louisville, could receive twice their average April rainfall within a matter of days. Communities situated near rivers or streams are considered especially vulnerable to the escalating flood threat.
Power Outages Persist Across Midwest
As of Tuesday morning, PowerOutage.US reported that over 300,000 customers remained without power across the Midwest. Michigan is the hardest-hit state with nearly 198,000 outages, followed by Wisconsin with 33,000 and Indiana with 21,000, highlighting the widespread impact of the recent storms.
Western States Brace for Rainfall and Snow
The National Weather Service is forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall in the Western states, particularly along the northern California coast. Higher elevations are expected to experience persistent “heavy higher elevation snow” as an upper-level trough remains stationary over the region.
Snowfall Expected in South Lake Tahoe
The City of South Lake Tahoe has issued an advisory for continuing snow showers on Tuesday, with residents advised to prepare for potential snowfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches in the area.