A Level 5 out of 5 ‘high risk’ severe weather warning has been issued for parts of six states. A tornado outbreak is expected, with powerful, long-track tornadoes predicted in the mid-South and lower Mississippi Valley. Additionally, the same weather system is anticipated to bring “generational flooding” to the Mississippi and Ohio valleys. The National Weather Service advises having a severe weather action plan ready and being prepared to implement it quickly to safeguard lives. In light of the forecast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency. Stay updated with the Fox Weather app for the latest updates on this developing situation.
Several cities, including Chicago, Indianapolis, and Columbus, Ohio, are currently facing a Level 3 out of 5 threat for severe storms. While tornadoes are a possibility in these metropolitan areas, the more probable threats are large hail and damaging wind gusts.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin issued a warning about the severity of the situation: “When the Storm Prediction Center designates a high risk, it demands immediate attention. This represents the most extreme scenario in terms of a weather forecast, and preparation is crucial for potential long-lasting tornadoes.”
Even as the primary storm system moves away on Thursday, daytime heating in the afternoon will trigger another round of severe storms. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes could once again pose a threat during Thursday afternoon and evening, with a Level 2 out of 5 risk spanning from Texas to Pennsylvania.
Further severe weather is predicted to persist throughout the remainder of the week and into the weekend. The continuous rounds of rain and storms may result in significant flooding in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys.
