Severe thunderstorms and hail wreaked havoc across parts of the Central United States on Monday evening, as a powerful storm system made its way eastward, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornado warnings were issued for areas in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, but thankfully expired Monday night. However, more than eight million people in the Central United States remained under tornado watches that were set to expire at midnight.
The storm is expected to move into the Appalachians and the Mid-Atlantic region on Tuesday, with Central Ohio facing a heightened risk of tornadoes in the afternoon. The National Weather Service warned that some of these tornadoes could travel several miles, posing a significant threat to the area. Additionally, there is a lower risk of tornadoes extending southward into the Tennessee Valley and even reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
Large sections of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas were at risk of experiencing damaging winds and hail exceeding two inches in diameter, as reported by the Storm Prediction Center. Approximately 24 million people live in areas with an enhanced risk of severe weather, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm system.
In Denton County, Texas, residents reported hail measuring 1.5 inches in diameter falling in the area on Monday evening. Local authorities advised residents to take precautions, such as laying tarps on roofs and taping windows, to protect their homes from potential damage.
As the storm system continues to move eastward into the Ohio Valley, heavy rainfall and the threat of flash flooding are expected. The Weather Service issued flood watches for parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and western Maryland through Tuesday, with rainfall totals predicted to exceed two inches in many areas and up to five inches in others.
Forecasters are closely monitoring the system, as two separate low-pressure centers over the Great Lakes and the Mid-Atlantic are projected to converge and form a powerful nor’easter off the New England coast by Thursday morning. Stay tuned for updates on this developing weather situation.
