Millions in Central Plains Face Severe Weather Threat with Tennis Ball-Sized Hail Potential
Millions in the Central Plains region are facing a severe weather threat on Sunday, with the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Stay prepared for the risk of severe storms and extreme weather conditions.
Severe weather is expected to impact millions of people across parts of the Central Plains on Sunday. This could include tornadoes, tennis ball-sized hail, and damaging winds.
As stormy conditions calm down along the central Gulf Coast, the threat of severe storms will rise in the Central Plains on Sunday and Monday. Approximately 30 million people in the United States are at risk of severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with areas of concern extending along coastal Florida, Georgia, and southern South Carolina.
The primary concern is centered around the Central Plains.
The Storm Prediction Center issued a warning stating, "There is a possibility of damaging winds reaching 80-100 mph, with localized areas experiencing even stronger gusts exceeding 100 mph. Additionally, there is a risk of very large hail and a few tornadoes."
The Storm Prediction Center's outlook for Sunday mentioned the possibility of a derecho, a weather phenomenon that brings widespread, long-lasting, straight-line winds along with severe thunderstorms.
Houston experienced severe weather on Thursday, including a derecho with winds reaching up to 100 mph.
Matt Elliott, Storm Prediction Center warning coordination meteorologist, explained to CNN the significance of the term "Derecho" - it signifies the most destructive wind event possible, indicating a very serious situation.
A Level 4 out of 5 risk of severe weather has been issued for western and central Kansas, encompassing areas such as Dodge City, Salina, Hutchinson, Garden City, and Hays. The Storm Prediction Center warns of potential storms on Sunday afternoon and evening that could bring wind gusts up to 100 mph, hail over 2 inches, and possible tornadoes.
The National Weather Service in Wichita has warned that the region may experience scattered severe storms on Sunday afternoon and evening. These storms have the potential to bring tennis ball-sized hail, 80 mph wind gusts, and there is a possibility of a tornado.
On the east coast of Florida, there is also a slight risk, Level 2 out of 5, for severe thunderstorms on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center has indicated that large hail is likely in this area.
The National Weather Service warns that the Central US will experience severe weather and heavy rainfall until early next week.
Starting on Monday, the risk of severe thunderstorms will decrease to Level 2 out of 5 in the Central Plains. There will be a Level 1 threat in areas like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, including cities like Chicago and Detroit. The main concerns will be hail and strong winds, with a chance of isolated tornadoes in the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest.
The Storm Prediction Center has warned that severe thunderstorms could occur in the central Plains on Monday evening and overnight. There is also a possibility of isolated strong to severe storms from the Middle Mississippi Valley to Lower Michigan on Monday afternoon.
The center predicts that the threat of severe thunderstorms will continue on Tuesday in parts of the Mississippi Valley. While damaging winds will be the main concern, there is also a chance of large hail and tornadoes.
Houston residents are facing triple-digit heat following recent power outages and storms. The sweltering heat comes after severe weather caused damage, fatalities, and chaos in the area. Residents are now dealing with the aftermath of the storms while also bracing for high temperatures in the coming days.
The heat index, which measures how hot it actually feels, is expected to reach over 100 degrees next week. This could increase the health risks associated with extreme heat.
Days after the storm, more than 351,000 homes and businesses in Harris County are still without power, as reported by poweroutage.us. With the combination of high temperatures and humidity, residents will have to endure heat indices in the 90s on Sunday and Monday, and over 100 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, without the relief of air conditioning. Authorities have cautioned that it may take weeks to fully restore power to all customers.
Widespread power outages are still happening in the Houston metro area. The National Weather Service in Houston advises using safety precautions when using generators. They also warn about high temperatures around 90° this weekend and suggest knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion/stroke. It is important not to overexert yourself during the cleanup process.
CNN’s Gene Norman and Sara Tonks contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The impending severe weather in the Central Plains is a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature. The combination of tornadoes, tennis ball-sized hail, and damaging winds poses a significant threat to millions of people. The Storm Prediction Center's warning of a possible derecho, a widespread and long-lasting wind event, underscores the gravity of the situation. The Level 4 risk of severe weather in western and central Kansas is particularly concerning, as it indicates the potential for extreme winds and tornadoes.
The article also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Houston residents in the wake of recent storms and power outages. The triple-digit heat and high heat indices are exacerbating the already difficult situation, as more than 351,000 homes and businesses remain without power. The combination of extreme heat and lack of air conditioning poses serious health risks, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance and recovery efforts.
