Central U.S. At Risk For Multi-Day Severe Outbreak

Spring kicks into full gear this week as Mother Nature creates multiple chances of severe weather in the Central U.S.

A low pressure system will meander across the north-central U.S. today. This will force southerly winds to flow throughout the nation’s midsection, transporting moisture from the Gulf northward. A dryline, or a boundary separating warm, humid air to the east and cooler, drier air to the west, will be present throughout today, becoming the catalyst of thunderstorm development.

One round of thunderstorms will impact the south-central U.S. through early afternoon, moving from Texas and Oklahoma into eastern Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. While these storms gradually weaken as they advance to the northeast, there will still be the potential for damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential downpours within thunderstorms.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect across central Texas, including Waco, Kileen and Austin.

A second round of thunderstorms will likely fire up along this dryline by early to mid-afternoon. These storms will then slowly push east-northeast into the evening, before fizzling out tonight. The southern Plains will continue to be the main spot for any strong to severe thunderstorms.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for central Texas. This includes Dallas-Fort Worth, Abilene, Austin and San Antonio, Texas. A larger Marginal Risk, or a 1 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, covers south-central Kansas, much of Oklahoma and much of Texas.

Damaging winds exceeding 60 mph and large to perhaps very large hail will be the primary concerns. However, an isolated brief tornado cannot be ruled out.

As if dodging potent thunderstorms wasn’t enough, slow-moving and repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rain will be likely across the south-central U.S. near the dryline. A quick 1 to 3 inches of rain could quickly fall, which could trigger some flooding concerns. Areas next to rivers, creeks and streams as well as urban, low-lying and other more flood-prone spots will have the greatest risk of flooding today. If you do approach a flooded roadway, remember that it is always best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

A series of low pressure systems will continue to march across the Central U.S. for the first half of the work week. This will lead to continued chances of severe weather across the Midwest and south-central U.S.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be 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!"