Severe Storms Target S. Plains to Eastern Great Lakes
A potent cold front will bring severe weather threats from the eastern Great Lakes through the southern Plains today.
Ahead of this cold front, plenty of warm, humid air will be surging northward across the Midwest, Mississippi Valley, and the southern Plains. This air mass will collide with a cooler, drier air mass following the cold front. The resulting clash of masses will help spark dangerous thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
A large Slight Risk, or 2 out 5 on the severe weather probability scale, extends from western and central Texas through southeastern Missouri. A separate Slight Risk is in place for eastern Kentucky into eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
Within the first Slight Risk area, an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, is found across portions of western Texas into southwestern Oklahoma. Cities such as Midland, Texas will need to be aware.
All modes of severe weather are expected this afternoon and evening, including a few tornadoes and the threat of very large hail.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect from western Texas into southwestern Oklahoma while another Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for southeastern Kentucky. Additionally, there are Flood Watches in place from northern Texas to southwestern Missouri, with widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches of rainfall possible through Wednesday night. Also a Tornado Watch is in place for south-central Oklahoma and north-central Texas.
Additional severe thunderstorms will be possible across portions of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas on Wednesday as a large upper-air weather disturbance moves over the southern Plains.
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 should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
