Threat of Tornadoes Friday through Sunday
Exactly one week after a deadly tornado outbreak hit the U.S., a new round of severe thunderstorms, some with tornadoes, will threaten areas from the Plains to the Mississippi Valley and the South. However, not only will the threat zone cover a larger area, but will also include the risk of flooding.
Surging moisture (high dew point air) across the Mississippi Valley on strong winds will be joined by a dry push of air from the west and chilly air from the northwest over the middle of the nation into the weekend.
The atmosphere was busy Thursday, building the platform for violent thunderstorms to launch from portions of Kansas to Minnesota during the evening hours. The strongest of these storms can spin off a tornado, in addition to producing damaging straight-line wind gusts and large hail.
The threat of damaging thunderstorms will shift eastward Friday, reaching the western Great Lakes and the middle and lower Mississippi Valley. AccuWeather meteorologists believe at this time an area from around Madison, Wis. to Springfield, Mo. is at an elevated threat for tornadoes.
While the atmosphere prepares to reload Friday night, violent thunderstorms may morph into a zone of very heavy rainfall and flooding over portions of the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys. Potential exists for up to a half foot of rain in some locations.
New energy will feed in from the southwest during the day Saturday. As a result, a new siege of violent thunderstorms and potential tornado outbreak could unfold.
The area of prime concern for tornadoes Saturday lies from northeastern Texas to northeastern Arkansas and western Tennessee.
It is possible the elevated risk of tornadoes would extend northeastward into much of the Ohio Valley, provided there is enough sunshine and heating.
The risk of damaging thunderstorms will also continue on Sunday and could stretch from the central Gulf Coast to the eastern Great Lakes.
More Weather News
-
Everest Death Toll 4 from Weekend Rush
May 23, 2012; 5:10 AM ET
Another Everest climber was found dead this morning, bringing the weekend death toll to four, with one climber still missing.
-
Still Rebuilding One Year After The Joplin, Mo., Tornado
May 23, 2012; 5:08 AM ET
Just one year ago, Joplin, Mo., was struck by a devastating mile-wide EF-5 tornado on May 22, 2011.
-
East Daily Downpours This Week
May 23, 2012; 5:05 AM ET
A stalled weather pattern will bring a daily dose of disruptive downpours from portions of the Carolinas to New England.
-
Bud Forms in the Eastern Pacific
May 23, 2012; 5:03 AM ET
The second tropical storm of the 2012 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season has formed.
-
Pre-Season Tropical Storms Rare, But Not Unheard Of
May 23, 2012; 5:01 AM ET
Tropical Storm Alberto is only the third tropical storm to have formed prior to the official start of hurricane season in the past 31 years.
-
Record Flood on Amazon Tributary
May 23, 2012; 5:00 AM ET
The largest Amazon River tributary has marked its highest historical level following weeks of heavy rain in its catch basin, the AP has said.
-
Sanvu to Become First Pacific Typhoon in 2012
May 23, 2012; 4:58 AM ET
Sanvu, only the second western north Pacific tropical storm of 2012, is on track to become the first typhoon of the year.
-
Memorial Day Weekend Heat Wave
May 23, 2012; 4:55 AM ET
Break out the fans and air conditioners and get the pools ready as a heat wave is poised for portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic this Memorial Day weekend.
-
Breathtaking Video of Switzerland Landslide
May 23, 2012; 4:50 AM ET
A landslide has collapsed part of a steep mountainside in Switzerland.
-
Northern Italy Hit by Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake
May 23, 2012; 4:48 AM ET
The earthquake could be felt as far away as Milan and Venice.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 113° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 30° | Bellemont, AZ |
| Precip | 9.70" | Miami, FL |
WeatherWhys®
A large, horrific tornado struck the city of Joplin, Mo., last year on this date. The twister cut a deadly path across the south side of the city, leaving over 159 dead and at least 1,150 injured. The Joplin tornado currently ranks as the 7th deadliest tornado in U.S. history.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
Rough Weather
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.