A new round of dangerous storms is expected to hit the central United States just as parts of the region continue dealing with historic flooding, raising concerns about additional damage and travel disruptions across multiple states.
Forecasters say millions of people across the Plains and Midwest remain at risk of severe weather, including tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding as the latest storm system moves through the region. More than 51 million people from Texas to Wisconsin are currently under threat from severe storms expected to intensify through the weekend.
Meteorologists warn that saturated ground conditions from earlier rainfall are increasing the risk of river flooding and dangerous flash floods in low-lying areas. Communities already dealing with high water levels are especially vulnerable if additional heavy rain develops.
Earlier this week, powerful storms triggered multiple tornadoes across parts of the Upper Midwest and Corn Belt, with at least 20 tornadoes reported in several states, along with widespread hail and damaging winds.
Emergency officials in Michigan and other affected areas have issued evacuation advisories and road closures as rivers continue to rise above flood stage. Some communities along the Muskegon River reported water levels several feet above flood thresholds, forcing residents to leave vulnerable neighborhoods.
Forecasters say the latest storm system could bring another wave of supercell thunderstorms capable of producing strong tornadoes and “monster” hail across a corridor stretching more than 1,500 miles from the southern Plains into the Midwest.
Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert for emergency alerts and avoid driving through flooded roadways, as conditions can change rapidly during severe spring weather outbreaks.
Weather experts say the combination of repeated storm activity and already saturated soil increases the likelihood that flooding impacts could persist even after the current storm system moves eastward.
