Severe storms to continue to prowl Plains, Midwest and East this week
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding will threaten parts of the central and eastern US this week, with damaging winds and hail possible from the Plains to the Piedmont.
Video from the weekend shows storms sweeping through parts of the eastern U.S., including the Midwest and the Northeast.
Pockets of severe weather and heavy rain capable of triggering flash flooding will drift across the central and eastern United States this week, fueled by steamy air.
Each group of storms will bring its own threats, with most expected to remain on the lower end of the intensity spectrum. However, a few storms can become more intense, with damaging winds, hail and even a tornado possible. Flight delays could mount where storms approach major airports.
The risk of flash flooding will be greatest where storms repeatedly track over the same areas or soak already saturated ground. Most severe thunderstorm activity is expected from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, although some severe storms may occur outside that window.
Appalachian, Heartland storms to rumble into Monday night
One area at risk for heavy, gusty and severe thunderstorms into Monday evening extends from the southern Appalachians to the Piedmont. Some storms can pack damaging wind gusts, while torrential downpours may trigger localized flash flooding. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ wind gust is 75 mph.
The risk of dangerous flash flooding extends northward from the severe weather zone into southeastern Ohio, much of West Virginia and part of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Farther west, parts of the Plains and Midwest will be at risk of severe thunderstorms into Monday night.
Areas from western and central Nebraska to southwestern and central Minnesota are most likely to experience severe storms packing damaging hail and wind gusts, along with localized flash flooding. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ wind gust is 80 mph.
Tuesday storms to focus on Interstate 35 and 80 corridors
Areas from central Nebraska to central Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin could be hit by more than one round of storms from Tuesday into Tuesday night. Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa, will be in the heart of the severe weather threat Tuesday.
The main threats on Tuesday will be damaging hail and wind gusts. Flash flooding will also be possible, especially where the ground is already saturated. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ wind gust is 85 mph.
Storms to hammer the High Plains on Wednesday
The severe thunderstorm threat will shift back to the High Plains on Wednesday, from South Dakota to eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Storms will extend eastward into the central parts of Nebraska and Kansas as well.
Once again, the main threats will be crop-damaging hail, powerful wind gusts and highly localized flash flooding from Wednesday afternoon to Wednesday night.
Thursday severe storm risk to include Nashville, Charlotte
The severe weather risk will shift back into the eastern U.S. on Thursday afternoon and evening. Storms may turn severe from southeastern Missouri and northeastern Arkansas through Tennessee and much of Kentucky, extending eastward into southern Virginia, central North Carolina and northern South Carolina.
The main threats will be damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ wind gust on Thursday is 75 mph.
Another pocket of severe thunderstorms may also develop over part of the Midwest on Thursday.
Beyond Thursday
A cooler change in weather pattern is forecast from the Midwest to the East late this week, but the focal point of the severe weather will depend on exactly when and how the surge of less humid air arrives.
One scenario involves a major outbreak of autumnlike air that could trigger waterspouts over the Great Lakes. Another scenario features a less-pronounced push of cool air and a slow-moving front that could bring severe thunderstorms and problematic heavy rain from the Appalachians to the Atlantic Seaboard late this week and into the weekend.
Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Report a Typo
