Severe weather conditions persist across the Midwest as intense storms impact millions of people on Tuesday. The storms developed following a turbulent morning in the region, with atmospheric instability allowing for another round of intense weather in the afternoon and evening.
Two tornadoes have been reported, one near Kenyon, Minnesota, where significant damage was caused to a farm, and another near Fall Creek, Wisconsin, where structural damage occurred. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Additional reports include damage to a shed roof near Morristown, Minnesota, and damage to a commercial warehouse near Kenyon, although these events are still being investigated for possible connections.
Storm damage has been reported across ten states, ranging from Texas to Michigan’s upper peninsula. In Kansas, hailstones the size of baseballs were recorded, with even larger hail reported in parts of Oklahoma.
As of Tuesday morning, severe storms continue to affect northern Texas and Oklahoma, with golf ball-sized hail being reported in parts of Oklahoma amid multiple severe thunderstorm warnings. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas until 10 a.m. CT.
More than 50 million Americans are currently in the storm zone, which spans 14 states from Texas to New York. The storm activity is expected to intensify around 3 p.m. CT and continue into the evening, with two areas of heightened risk. The first is an enhanced risk from west Texas to southwest Oklahoma, including cities like Midland, Lubbock, and Wichita Falls. The second area, extending from Louisville, Kentucky to near Watertown, New York, includes Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Buffalo, though the severe threat is expected to subside after midnight for the northeastern portion of the system.
Flash flooding is also a significant concern for Texas and Oklahoma. Multiple rounds of heavy thunderstorms could lead to widespread flash flooding, exacerbated by already saturated ground from previous rainfall. This could result in life-threatening conditions in areas that typically do not experience flooding.
The severe weather risk is expected to shift east on Wednesday, affecting regions from north of Dallas to Branson, Missouri. Strong storms in these areas may produce damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. A flood watch is in effect from north Texas to central Missouri, impacting over 6 million Americans across five states. Some areas may receive more than 5 inches of rain in just 12 hours.
Source: Swifteradio.com
