Millions at Risk as Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Central and Eastern U.S.
Unseasonably warm temperatures are setting the stage for another round of severe thunderstorms, threatening nearly 175 million people across the central and eastern United States. Beginning Sunday, powerful storms could unleash damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes in multiple states, including areas recently battered by deadly weather.
Severe Weather Pattern Intensifies
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that an approaching cold front will collide with warm, moisture-rich air, triggering volatile conditions. This clash of air masses will result in explosive thunderstorms stretching from the Midwest to the southern Plains on Sunday, before sweeping eastward into the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee valleys overnight.
While some storms may develop Saturday night from Kansas to Iowa, the worst of the weather is expected Sunday. Over 25 million people, including residents of Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, are under a Level 3 (out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms, according to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). An additional 45 million people, spanning cities like Dallas, Chicago, and Cleveland, fall under a Level 2 risk.
Potential for Strong, Long-Lived Tornadoes
Meteorologists warn that conditions are ripe for the formation of strong tornadoes, with some reaching EF2 intensity or higher. Large hail, potentially bigger than golf balls, and destructive wind gusts will accompany these storms, further increasing the danger. The risk is heightened by the likelihood of nighttime tornadoes, which studies show are nearly twice as deadly as those occurring in daylight.
Flash flooding is also a growing concern as heavy rainfall is expected to accompany these storms, potentially overwhelming drainage systems from the South to the Midwest.
A Historically Active Tornado Season
March has already proven to be an exceptionally active month for tornadoes, with nearly 300 reported across the U.S. This marks a sharp increase compared to 164 reports by the same time last year. Only three other years since 2010—2013, 2017, and 2023—have seen more tornadoes in the first quarter of the year.
Last year’s tornado season was particularly destructive, producing nearly 2,000 tornado reports, making it the second-most active year on record, trailing only 2017.
Storms to Impact 100 Million on Monday
As the severe weather system advances, storms are expected to maintain their intensity into Monday, posing risks to over 100 million people from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast. Cities from New Orleans to Boston fall within the danger zone, though the specific threats may vary by region.
While the Northeast may face more powerful wind gusts than tornadoes or hail, conditions farther south could fuel storms with all hazards, including tornadoes. Thunderstorms will persist overnight from the mid-Atlantic through the Northeast before moving offshore Tuesday morning.
More Severe Weather on the Horizon
The SPC has already issued warnings for another significant severe weather event on Wednesday, with a vast area from Texas to the Midwest under threat. This suggests that the pattern of destructive storms may continue into April, reinforcing concerns about an already intense storm season.
Authorities urge residents in at-risk areas to monitor weather updates closely and prepare emergency plans. As the storm season intensifies, early preparedness remains key to minimizing casualties and damage.
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Millions at Risk as Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Central and Eastern U.S.