Flood threat to mount as severe storms lash midwestern US into late week
Unrelenting rounds of severe weather will sweep across the midwestern United States, enhancing the threat of significant flash flooding and wind damage through the end of the week.
This type of weather pattern presents a significant risk to lives and property. There is the potential for an extensive swath of wind, tree and power line damage and life-threatening flash flooding through the remainder of the week.
Many areas from the northern Plains to the western and lower Great Lakes can expect a new round of thunderstorms to occur about every 24 hours through Friday.
The bulk of the severe weather will develop late in the day and continue through the overnight and early morning hours.
“Thunderstorm complexes such as these have the potential to produce widespread wind damage including [downed] trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages,” AccuWeather Lead Storm Warning Meteorologist John Lavin said. “In addition, damage to businesses and homes will also be possible.”
A small number of tornadoes could cause further damage in some communities.
After developing across eastern South Dakota, the cluster of thunderstorms will sweep southeastward through Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois Wednesday night, according to Lavin.
The line of severe storms may pass through Minneapolis Wednesday night.
Heavy, gusty storm could reach Chicago by Thursday morning.
Regardless of the extent of severe weather, flash flooding could turn life-threatening in some communities as each round of storms has the potential to unleash several inches of rain in a matter of minutes or hours.
Roads may become impassable from flood waters and closures are possible. Use extra caution when driving at night as flood waters can be difficult to see. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway.
Runoff will cause rises on streams and rivers. Moderate to major flooding will continue on the Fox and Des Plaines rivers after recent deluges.
Depending on the exact path and severity of Wednesday night’s storm complex, strong to locally severe storms are likely to threaten much of the same swath late Thursday into Friday.
It will likely take until late this weekend and the early part of next week for quieter weather to finally settle over the Midwest and any needed cleanup operations to begin in full force.
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