Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Millions of people across the United States are bracing themselves for severe weather conditions expected to hit several regions. The Midwest and Great Lakes areas are particularly at risk for powerful thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. This threat comes just one day after a severe storm system, known as a derecho, brought strong winds and baseball-sized hail to Kansas and Missouri.
Forecasters are closely monitoring the situation as the severe weather threat extends from Wyoming to the Great Lakes region. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted areas with higher risks of severe weather, with millions of people placed in Level 2 out of 5 risk on the severe thunderstorm scale.
Parts of the Plains, including cities like Cheyenne in Wyoming, Omaha and Lincoln in Nebraska, as well as Des Moines, are under a Level 2 threat. Additionally, southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, and northern Illinois, including Chicago, are also in the danger zone. However, southwestern Nebraska, northwestern Kansas, and northeastern Colorado face a higher Level 3 risk.
The severe weather threat will continue into Tuesday, affecting a broader area from Texas to the Great Lakes. The Storm Prediction Center has identified parts of the Midwest, like Iowa, Illinois, and extreme northeastern Missouri, as high-risk areas with a Level 4 out of 5 risk.
Cities like Davenport and Iowa City in Iowa, as well as Moline, Rock Island, and Galesburg in Illinois, are at risk. With more than 15.5 million people facing a Level 3 risk, including Kansas City in Missouri, Des Moines in Iowa, Peoria in Illinois, and La Crosse in Wisconsin, the potential for severe thunderstorms remains a significant concern.
Large metropolitan areas like Chicago, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa are under a Level 2 risk, affecting over 26 million people. The primary threats from these storms include damaging wind gusts, large hail, and possible tornadoes, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in the coming days.
While the forecast may undergo some changes, the potential for severe weather looks set to continue into Wednesday and Thursday in the identified threat zones. It is crucial for residents in these areas to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for any severe weather conditions that may arise.