Millions of Americans are under threat from tornadoes as the spring storm season kicks off early across the United States, with forecasters warning of a major outbreak that could strike the nation's heartland.
Severe Weather Alert for Central US
Concern is mounting that the first significant storm outbreak ahead of spring could impact much of the country, putting residents from Texas to Iowa at risk of potentially strong tornadoes. The National Weather Service has indicated that scattered severe thunderstorms were expected to begin developing late Thursday in the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma, and parts of Kansas.
Forecast Details and Projections
According to forecasters, these storms may bring large hail, damaging winds, and possibly a few tornadoes. However, the strongest storms are anticipated for Friday, affecting a zone that includes much of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, extending into some nearby states.
The national Storm Prediction Center reports that more than 6 million Americans are at the highest risk of severe weather on Friday in an area encompassing the metropolitan regions of Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma. An additional 22 million people face a slightly lesser risk in a zone that includes Oklahoma City; St. Louis; Omaha, Nebraska; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Unseasonably Warm Temperatures Expected
The weather pattern responsible for these potential strong storms is also predicted to usher in extremely warm temperatures for this time of year by the weekend. Federal forecasters noted in their long-range forecast discussion that temperatures could be 20-30 degrees above average, with highs in the 80s reaching as far north as parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.
They added that daily temperature records could become widespread, highlighting the unusual nature of this early spring weather event. This combination of severe storms and record warmth underscores the volatile conditions as the season transitions.
