Severe storms to threaten central US through Monday
Residents across several parts of the central United States will have to remain alert for potentially damaging thunderstorms into Monday night.
Late Sunday, severe storms triggered large hail and high winds across the central and southern Plains. Some of these same areas will be at risk for severe weather into Monday night, as well as locations farther east.
By Monday evening, most severe thunderstorms that developed across the region had produced small hail and wind gusts over 60 mph. One of the strongest storms tracked south of Wichita, Kansas, and spun up a tornado near the town of Hackney.
Isolated storms were also seen in Colorado with inches of hail falling near The Pinery, located southeast of Denver. Snow plows were needed to clear hail from roads in some of the hardest hit areas.
Inches of hail accumulated on roads in Pinery, Colorado. (Photo/Daniel Wynn)
Any severe storm has the potential to endanger lives and property. Even in the absence of severe weather, anyone outdoors during a thunderstorm is at risk of being struck by lightning.
A cluster of showers and thunderstorms that blossomed over eastern Iowa and southern Wisconsin on Sunday night will sweep south and east into Monday evening.
This cluster of gusty and drenching thunderstorms will sweep into the central Appalachians and part of the mid-Atlantic—a theme that will continue several times this week.
Farther west, a new round of storms will ignite.
Chicago will join Kansas City, Missouri, and Wichita, Kansas, in facing severe thunderstorms to kick off the week. Isolated severe thunderstorms may also occur southward to Midland, Texas.
AccuWeather Senior Storm Warning Meteorologist Rich Putnam is concerned for the risk of damaging winds and large hail around Chicago and other areas of the Plains and Midwest Monday evening. Frequent lightning and downpours are other hazards that residents and motorists will face.
An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out but a significant outbreak is not expected.
Commuters should prepare for possible delays, while sporting events and other outdoor plans can be disrupted.
After the severe thunderstorms wane overnight Monday, the threat for violent thunderstorms will be more localized on Tuesday.
Report a Typo
