Spring Storms to Drench Millions: Flooding and Rain Hit Plains, Central US
More than 52 million people face severe weather across the Plains, Midwest, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. The threat began Wednesday and is expected to persist through Saturday. Hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and flash flooding are all possible.
Atmospheric setup
A dip in the jet stream is steering storms east from the West. Warm air over the eastern two thirds of the country is fueling instability. April historically marks a rise in spring severe weather across the middle of the nation.
Timing and primary hazards
A cold front stalled over the Plains on Wednesday. Storms were forecast to fire along a dryline across southern and central Kansas, western Oklahoma and the Red River Valley of North Texas.
Noaa’s Storm Prediction Center placed that corridor at a Level 3 of 5 risk. Forecasters warned of large hail and the potential for strong tornadoes rated EF-2 or higher.
Recent observations
On Tuesday, quarter-sized hail fell in parts of Iowa and Illinois. Wind gusts reached about 75 mph in areas of Ohio, western Pennsylvania and western New York.
Flash flood and heavy rain outlook
Significant atmospheric moisture and warm temperatures raise flash flooding concerns. The greatest flash flood risk is for eastern Kansas, western Missouri and northern Oklahoma.
Widespread rainfall of one to two inches is expected across parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes. Two to three inches are possible from Dallas to Kansas City in some areas.
Regional forecasts
Plains and Midwest: A broader Level 2 risk extended from northern Missouri southeast across the Southern Plains. On Thursday, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois faced a Level 3 risk.
- Cities most at risk include Milwaukee, Chicago, Davenport and St. Louis.
- Damaging winds and large hail were likely, with some EF-2 or stronger tornadoes possible.
Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic: Storms were expected to track along a warm front. Forecasters highlighted a narrow corridor from West Virginia into northern Virginia and parts of Maryland.
Large hail, powerful wind gusts and heavy rain were the main concerns in that region.
Later outbreaks: A subsequent system was forecast to reach the Plains and Midwest by Friday. Parts of Iowa and Missouri were under a Level 3 threat, while Kansas and Oklahoma held a Level 2.
Forecasters cautioned that strong instability, ample wind shear and a strengthening low could support supercells. A dryline across western Oklahoma and Texas could spark isolated severe storms.
Safety and sources
Forecasters urged residents to monitor local National Weather Service products and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center. Filmogaz.com will provide ongoing updates as conditions evolve. Seek shelter immediately when severe weather warnings are issued and avoid driving through floodwaters.
Spring Storms are expected to drench millions across the Plains and Central US over several days. Flooding and heavy rain remain central hazards during the event.
