A powerful storm system will trigger severe thunderstorms from Sunday into Monday across the central and eastern US.
Sunday: Over 25 million people face a Level 3 (out of 5) risk in areas including Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. An additional 45 million are under a Level 2 risk, including Dallas, Chicago, and Cleveland.
Monday: Over 100 million people are under a Level 2 risk from the South (New Orleans) to the Northeast (Boston).
Primary threats include large hail (golf ball size or larger), damaging wind gusts (up to 70 mph mentioned in one source), and tornadoes. Some tornadoes could be strong (EF2+) and long-tracked, especially on Sunday.
Why this matters: Severe storms pose a significant threat to life and property. Nighttime tornadoes are particularly dangerous, being nearly twice as likely to be fatal according to studies. Widespread travel disruptions are also likely. This year has already seen more reported tornadoes (~300) than the same period last year (~164).
The severe weather outbreak will be fueled by a clash between unseasonably warm, moist air streaming north and a potent cold front sweeping east. Storms are expected to initiate Saturday evening in parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa before intensifying significantly on Sunday.
The peak activity on Sunday is forecast from the afternoon into the overnight hours, stretching from Illinois down to East Texas and expanding eastward through the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys. The threat shifts eastward on Monday, potentially impacting nearly the entire East Coast by Monday night before moving offshore early Tuesday.
The Northeast faces a higher risk of damaging winds, while areas further south (Mid-Atlantic to Gulf Coast) retain a threat for all severe modes, including tornadoes and hail.
Forecasters are already monitoring another potential system for severe weather mid-next week (Wednesday) from Texas to the Midwest.
How to Prepare & Who This Affects Most:
Who This Affects Most: Residents and travelers in the Central Plains, Midwest, Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast from Sunday through Monday evening.
How to Prepare:
Monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service and reliable local news sources.
Ensure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings (NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone apps, local alerts). Do not rely solely on outdoor sirens.
Identify your safe place (basement, storm shelter, or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows).
Secure loose outdoor items like patio furniture and trash cans.
Charge electronic devices and have flashlights ready in case of power outages.
Reconsider travel plans in high-risk areas during the storm threat window.
Q: Which areas face the highest risk?
A: On Sunday, the highest risk (Level 3 out of 5) includes parts of the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys (e.g., Nashville, Indianapolis, St. Louis). On Monday, a broad Level 2 risk covers over 100 million people from the Gulf Coast to New England. Check your local forecast for specifics.
Q: What are the main dangers?
A: Damaging straight-line winds, large hail (potentially golf ball size or larger), and tornadoes, some possibly strong and occurring after dark. Heavy rain could also lead to flash flooding in some areas.
Q: When will the storms hit?
A: Initial scattered storms are possible Saturday night. The most widespread and dangerous activity is expected Sunday afternoon through Monday night, progressing from the Central US eastward.
A major severe weather event is likely early next week, affecting a huge portion of the US population.
Be prepared for dangerous conditions including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, especially Sunday and Monday.
Pay close attention to weather alerts, particularly as some dangerous storms may occur overnight.
Have a safety plan in place and know where to shelter if warnings are issued for your area.
How are you preparing for this potential severe weather? Let us know in the comments!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Source 2: Univision Chicago (Severe weather outlook summary)
Source 3: KWCH Wichita (Kansas severe weather outlook summary)
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