Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Central U.S. With Tornadoes, Hail, and Strong Winds

A turbulent weather system is set to bring intense thunderstorms across the central United States on Sunday, threatening to unleash tornadoes, large hail, and destructive winds. This environmental clash involves nearly 170 million individuals spanning from Illinois to eastern Texas and further. The disturbance occurs as unusually warm air encounters a powerful cold front, intensifying the storm’s potential.

March has already surpassed last year’s tornado reports at this time, signaling an unusually active season. Regions previously hit by deadly storms earlier this month are again facing the prospect of severe weather.

Sunday poses risks of golf-ball-sized hail and long-lasting tornadoes. The weekend temperatures across the Plains to the East Coast have resembled late spring, but these conditions will shift dramatically as a cold front moves in on Sunday, abruptly ending the unusual warmth. When the cooler air meets the warm, moist air ahead, it is likely to trigger explosive thunderstorms.

The Storm Prediction Center has included over 25 million people in a level 3 of 5 risk category for severe weather on Sunday, with major cities like Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis at risk. An additional 40 million are at a level 2 of 5 risk, encompassing cities such as Dallas, Chicago, and Cleveland.

By late Saturday, large hail had already been reported near Oklahoma City, with hailstones ranging from the size of a quarter to that of a golf ball. These storms are anticipated to intensify and progress eastward throughout the evening and night hours.

Meteorologists caution that Sunday’s storms carry the possibility of significant severe weather, including long-lived tornadoes with EF2 ratings or higher, hail larger than golf balls, and powerful winds capable of causing extensive damage.

Certain storms may also result in heavy rainfall, heightening the danger of flash floods from the South to the Midwest regions.

The threat of severe weather will continue into Monday as robust thunderstorms move east, impacting areas from the Appalachians to Louisiana and Mississippi. Nearly 100 million people might be at risk, with potential damages varying by location.

This year has already been marked by an exceptionally high number of tornadoes, with about 300 reports logged since January.