A dynamic storm system will unleash multiple rounds of severe weather across the Midwest and Ohio Valley today through Friday, with the stormy weather expanding into the Tennessee Valley Friday night.
Today's focus will be mainly across the Midwest and the Ohio Valley, where the Storm Prediction Center has issued Slight and Enhanced Risks (2 and 3 out of 5) for severe storms. Strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds will all be concerns.
Cities in the area of main concern today are Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky.
A Tornado Watch has been issued for central Minnesota into Wisconsin, including St. Cloud, Minn. and Eau Claire, La Crosse and Madison, Wis. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has also been posted for northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri and far western portions of Kentucky and Tennessee. This includes Searcy, Ark., and Poplar Bluff, Mo.
The Storm Prediction Center has also issued a Slight Risk (2 out of 5) for severe storms for central Virginia into northeastern North Carolina this afternoon and evening. Main concerns will be damaging winds and hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued and includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Richmond, Va. and Elizabeth City, N.C.
As the storm system moves eastward tonight into Friday, more storms will form across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys Friday morning. This activity will fade by early afternoon, with another round of storms forming in similar areas late Friday afternoon through Friday night. There is an Enhanced Risk in place for this later day and night activity, which includes most of the Ohio Valley and northern Tennessee Valley.
Similar to today, all severe weather types are possible, including strong tornadoes, large hail, and gusty winds. Cities most at risk include St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville and Bowling Green, Ky., and Nashville and Jackson, Tenn.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"
