As weary travellers return home from their Thanksgiving weekend, a massive storm system moving into the Pacific Northwest is expected to bring severe weather, including fierce winds and tornadoes in the South, meteorologists warn.
Severe thunderstorms are expected to affect approximately 25 million people in the United States’ south-central region later Tuesday. These are expected to first affect northeastern Texas, northwestern Louisiana, and central and eastern Arkansas. A severe storm risk level of 3 out of 5 has been issued for the region, including Memphis.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued an early forecast warning of the possibility of severe storms in the Mississippi Valley on Tuesday, with a threat of strong tornadoes, wind damage, and some hail, mostly after dark. The areas most vulnerable to nocturnal storms Tuesday include southern Illinois and Louisiana.
In its forecast discussion on Sunday morning, the prediction centre also mentioned that the severe storm threat could increase to a Level 4 or 5 as Tuesday approaches and the forecast becomes clearer.
The same storm is expected to bring strong winds from the Midwest to the Northeast. It is expected to form Tuesday morning and move across Kansas, with snow in the north as it approaches the Great Lakes region on Wednesday. Snow and freeze-up may cause significant travel delays in certain Midwest and Northeast regions
The storm on Tuesday poses the risk of power outages and property damage due to strong wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph, with the potential to reach 75 mph.
According to the weather service, the powerful system also brought snow to eastern New Mexico and western Texas, where it remained until Saturday morning. A storm moving into the Pacific Northwest will bring heavy snow to the Cascade Range and northern Rocky Mountains on Sunday and Monday due to a strong cold front.
Another issue to be concerned about is the possibility of flooding due to heavy rainfall from multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Rainfall is expected to be 1 to 2 inches across the country, with isolated areas receiving up to 4 inches.
Earlier this month, a Level 3 severe storm risk was issued three days in advance, only to be upgraded to a Level 4 risk later. Several tornadoes were reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses. If Tuesday’s threat is upgraded to a Level 4 risk, it will be the first time that two Level 4 risks have been issued in the United States in November.
Severe thunderstorms in the fall and winter can be devastating, and they can catch people off guard because thunderstorms are less common during the cooler months. In such situations, people should re-evaluate or create a severe weather contingency plan for their families, including where to take shelter to be safe if severe weather strikes, ensure that they are well stocked up on food, as well as flashlights and cell phones are fully charged in the event of a power outage.