Indianapolis, Indiana – More than 8 million people are bracing for potentially devastating tornadoes as a severe thunderstorm sweeps through the Southeast into the Ohio Valley, threatening damaging winds, and large hail on Tuesday. The storm system has already wreaked havoc, causing multiple tornadoes in Oklahoma and hurling hailstones the size of baseballs from Texas to Illinois on Monday.
The Storm Prediction Center warns of the highest risk for intense, long-track tornadoes in southeast Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The potential for hailstones exceeding 2 inches in diameter and destructive winds up to 75 mph adds to the already dangerous conditions. The storms are expected to peak in strength Tuesday afternoon into the evening before potentially lingering overnight in some areas.
Residents in the path of the storms are urged to stay vigilant and monitor forecasts as the situation can change rapidly. The Storm Prediction Center advises individuals to have a severe weather action plan in place. Ohio is particularly at risk, ranking second to Florida for the number of tornadoes reported this year. Parts of the Southeast, including cities like Nashville and Birmingham, are under an enhanced risk for severe storms, including potential tornadoes and large hail.
The severe weather system that passed through the central U.S. on Monday left a trail of destruction with reports of over 100 storm incidents, including massive hailstones in Texas, some as large as 4.5 inches in diameter. More than 4 million people in central Illinois to central Missouri remain under a tornado watch until early Tuesday. As the storm system moves east, cold air pushing in is expected to bring rain, snow, and wintry mix to areas in the Midwest and Great Lakes.
Cities like Chicago may see a few snowflakes, with higher snowfall totals projected for parts of Michigan and Wisconsin. Winter storm watches are in effect for much of the Northeast, with locations like the Adirondacks and Green and White Mountains expecting significant snowfall. Major cities like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia are anticipated to experience rain. As the storm system continues to affect regions across the U.S., residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for changing weather conditions.