Severe Weather Affecting the Plains and Midwest
Breaking weather covers the latest on the severe threat
Many of the same areas being threatened by severe thunderstorms through tonight will be at risk again Monday into Tuesday. It's a series of storm systems taking similar paths eastward across the nation that will be sparking the severe weather.
Severe Threat through Tonight
Through tonight, areas from West Texas into northwestern Oklahoma and Kansas will run the highest risk of severe thunderstorms. Large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding will be the main threats, though a few of the strongest thunderstorms could also spawn tornadoes.
A tornado was already sighted in Beaver County, Okla., late this afternoon.
Farther northeast into Missouri and central Illinois, thunderstorms will also remain capable of producing damaging winds and heavy rain through early tonight. Hail up to the size of quarters could also pelt some areas throughout this region.
On the East Coast, locally heavy rain and gusty winds will also be possible with thunderstorms from the Carolinas into eastern New Jersey through early tonight. However, most of these thunderstorms are not expected to be severe and will taper off quickly after sunset.
Flash Flooding Becoming Main Threat Overnight on Plains
As has been the case many of the nights throughout this past week, thunderstorms erupting through this evening will evolve into a large cluster, called a mesoscale convective system, across the Plains overnight.
These systems often dump torrential rainfall and cause flash flooding. Tonight, this system is expected to form over Kansas. More than likely, there will be several communities in which roads and farmland end up being covered with water early Monday morning.
People should allow extra time to drive to work Monday morning in case they run into detours.
Severe Threat Monday
The threat for severe weather is not expected to shift much Monday, remaining focused from western Texas into Oklahoma and Missouri. Any ongoing thunderstorms in these areas Monday morning could remain capable of causing flash flooding.
As new thunderstorms fire up in these areas Monday afternoon and night, the threats for large hail and damaging winds will be renewed. Again, an tornado cannot be ruled out in the strongest of thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms developing farther east from southern Illinois into Kentucky, southern Ohio and West Virginia Monday could also produce gusty winds and perhaps some hail. However, the bigger threat in these areas will be flash flooding with heavy rain falling on already-saturated ground.
Related to the Story:
More on the Flash Flood Threat from the Plains to Midwest
Follow us on Twitter Breaking Weather
More Weather News
-
Amazing International Snowfall Pictures and Videos
Feb 11, 2012; 3:12 PM ET
-
Freezing Temperatures Return to Florida Tonight
Feb 11, 2012; 2:02 PM ET
A blast of arctic air will lead to multiple nights of freezing temperatures along the Gulf Coast.
-
No Explanation for Pennsylvania's Purple Squirrel
Feb 11, 2012; 1:53 PM ET
The third purple squirrel ever found was released back into the forest on Tuesday.
-
Blast of Arctic Air to Follow Eastern Snows
Feb 11, 2012; 1:45 PM ET
A blast of arctic air will plow into the eastern part of the country tonight into Sunday behind a departing cold front.
-
Buffalo Hockey Tournament: From Pond to Parking Lot
Feb 11, 2012; 1:32 PM ET
Event organizers made the call to cancel the on-water aspect of the tournament in late January when an absence of ice and expected continuance of mild weather.
-
Cozy Up to Your Valentine as Arctic Air Plunges into the US
Feb 11, 2012; 1:24 PM ET
We have an exclusive snuggle index for Valentine's Day weekend as arctic air plunges across the eastern two-thirds of the nation.
-
Weekend Blizzard, Wind, Rain for Atlantic Canada
Feb 11, 2012; 1:19 PM ET
The storm set to brush parts of New England into this evening will hit head on into the Maritimes and Newfoundland tonight into Sunday.
-
High Hopes for First Dutch Skating Marathon in 15 Years
Feb 11, 2012; 1:06 PM ET
"If they don't do it this year, who knows when it could happen again."
-
Snow Squalls, Rapid Freezeup a Concern in the East
Feb 11, 2012; 10:40 AM ET
Two separate storm systems will continue to cause travel headaches from eastern Maine through Cleveland into tonight.
-
Weekend Snow for Italy, Balkans
Feb 11, 2012; 10:17 AM ET
A winter storm will set up this weekend, bringing even more snow to winter-weary southern and southeastern Europe.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 78° | Needles, CA |
| Low | -20° | Fosston, MN |
| Precip | 0.66" | Chatham, MA |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
This Day In Weather History
Washington, D.C. ()
1899 -15 F., all time record low (3rd day in a row at least -7 F.
Richmond, VA ()
1899 (llth-13th) 16.3" of snow, fourth biggest snowfall on record.
Rough Weather
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.