The National Weather Service has issued a warning of severe weather approaching the Midwest and South, with dangerous storms expected to bring winds reaching up to 90 mph and hail the size of baseballs on Friday. Areas at risk include St. Louis, Springfield in Illinois, southeast Iowa, and parts of western Tennessee and Kentucky, with other regions from Louisiana to Ohio and Wisconsin also advised to prepare for potential impacts.
The severe storms are projected to affect the lower and mid-Missouri Valley, the Mississippi Valley, and the lower Ohio Valley from late Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. The forecast includes the possibility of tornadoes, widespread damaging winds, and large hail up to the size of baseballs.
Additionally, on Saturday, Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, faces an increased risk of severe storms and tornadoes. Meteorologists anticipate a significant severe weather outbreak later that morning and into the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Texas and parts of the Great Plains are currently facing critical fire weather conditions, with the risk expected to persist into the weekend. Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized state resources to address the “extremely critical wildfire danger” due to dry conditions, high wind gusts, and low humidity.
In the southern Great Plains, including Lubbock, Wichita Falls in Texas, and Oklahoma City, there are concerns about “potentially historic fire-weather conditions” on Friday. Further west, a winter storm has brought heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada in California, with more snowfall expected on Friday.
In addition to these events, a tornado struck Pico Rivera in the Los Angeles area early Thursday morning, causing damage to trees, vehicles, and roofs. The tornado, classified as an EF-0 with maximum winds of 85 mph, left a path of destruction approximately one mile long. Local authorities urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during these hazardous weather conditions.
