Forecasters Warn of Enhanced Risks for Severe Storms in Midwest
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Millions of Americans are under a warning for enhanced risk of severe storms across the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes on Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) said on Sunday.
Newsweek has reached out to the NWS via email Sunday during non-working hours for more Infromation.
Why It Matters
In recent months, severe storms have battered communities across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and neighboring states. In addition, severe weather outbreaks can disrupt critical infrastructure and cause widespread damage during the heart of summer.
Enhanced risk warnings, as issued by the NWS, signal conditions that could produce major thunderstorm hazards and tornadoes, underscoring the importance for communities and emergency responders across the region.
Recent storm events have already resulted in property damage, power outages, and disrupted everyday life for thousands, making continued vigilance crucial.
What To Know
"Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening across parts of the Upper Midwest to western Great Lakes," the alert from NWS and SPC said. "Other severe storms will also be possible in parts of the northern Plains, central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic."
Severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging wind gusts, and the potential for isolated tornadoes are expected throughout the region, the NWS added.
The SPC warned of hazards including scattered damaging winds as well as the possibility of isolated tornadoes as storm systems traverse the region. Residents were urged to stay alert for fast-changing weather conditions and to monitor local weather alerts.
"Given the strong buoyancy near/south of the front, and very steep lapse rates/elevated mixed layer impinging from the west-southwest, modestly strong wind profiles will be sufficient for intense supercell development with initial storms, including large hail potential (higher magnitudes possible especially eastern South Dakotas and southwest Minnesota) and some tornado risk," the forecast read.
It added: Multiple southeastward-moving clusters should evolve this evening with an
increasing likelihood of damaging wind across southern Minnesota into western/northern Wisconsin. Portions of the region have been upgraded to an enhanced risk."
The Storm Prediction Center forecasts hazardous weather conditions.
The Storm Prediction Center forecasts hazardous weather conditions.
Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service
What Happens Next?
The NWS continues to closely monitor storm developments in the Upper Midwest and other at-risk regions, providing real-time alerts and forecasts through its SPC and local offices.
Residents have been advised to review their emergency plans, secure outdoor property, and stay abreast of updated warnings as weather conditions evolve.
The potential for additional severe weather—including more tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail—remains elevated as storm systems continue to pass through the central United States.
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