Midwest Braces: Hurricane-Force Winds & Tornadoes Incoming! Stay Safe!
Colaboradores
The northern Plains and Upper Midwest are in the crosshairs of a powerful storm system, threatening hurricane-force wind gusts, tornadoes, and large hail. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Severe Weather Threat Intensifies
A frontal boundary moving through the region is expected to trigger potent thunderstorms over the next few days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center has identified parts of North Dakota, including Bismarck and Fargo, as being at the highest risk for severe storms initially, with the threat shifting eastward on Friday.
The most intense storm activity is anticipated during the late afternoon and evening hours, potentially continuing into the overnight period. Forecasters caution that some storms could develop into a mesoscale convective system (MCS), possibly forming a squall line or even a derecho, depending on their duration.
Monster Hail and Damaging Winds Expected
AccuWeather meteorologists are also warning of severe thunderstorms roaring from the Rockies to the Great Plains and Midwest throughout the weekend. The risk of severe weather is expected to shift east across parts of the Plains into the Midwest on Friday, with some areas experiencing a continuation of severe storms from earlier in the week.
“The storms on Friday may bring monster hail with the potential for some hailstones to reach the size of baseballs or larger,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Isaac Longley said. “Considerable damage to crops, vehicles and other property is possible.”
Weekend Outlook: Shifting Threats
The severe weather risk will continue to push east and south this weekend. On Saturday, severe thunderstorms are forecast to extend from northern Kansas and far northeastern Colorado to northern Michigan and northeastern Minnesota. The severe threat on Saturday includes the major metro areas of Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Des Moines, Iowa.
Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and heed any warnings issued by authorities. Be prepared to take shelter if severe weather approaches.