A severe storm is predicted to hit the central US on Friday, bringing further trouble to areas already impacted by tornadoes, hail, and flooding.
This week saw over 30 tornadoes, with hail reported across a large stretch from Texas to the Great Lakes, some pieces as big as softballs. New storms are expected to sweep from Oklahoma City to Green Bay on Friday afternoon and evening, with a focus on Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, and northern Illinois for tornado activity.
The jet stream is shifting, drawing in moisture from the Gulf. This could spark dangerous storms from northern Texas all the way to northern Wisconsin. Regions like Madison, Chicago, Kansas City, and others are under a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms, while Milwaukee and St. Louis are under a Level 2 risk.
The storms could start as early as the afternoon, moving from north to south. They may produce tornadoes, possibly reaching EF3 intensity or higher, along with heavy hail. As the night falls, the main concern may shift to damaging winds that could uproot trees and disrupt power lines.
This weather pattern follows a week of heavy rainfall leading to significant flooding in the Great Lakes area. Many places are grappling with one of the wettest springs on record. In Michigan and Wisconsin, rivers are hitting record levels, causing trouble in over 20 locations. For instance, flash floods in Milwaukee recently left vehicles stranded and forced emergency responders to rescue motorists.
Officials are keeping a close eye on several dams in Michigan as water levels remain high. For example, the Muskegon River is above record levels, prompting mandatory evacuations in Newaygo County. Residents near the Cheboygan dam are also being advised to prepare for possible evacuations as water levels rise.
Recent weather data highlights that many areas in the Midwest are experiencing extreme weather more frequently—something experts attribute to climate change. According to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), severe storm intensity has increased over recent decades, making situations like this more likely.
It’s clear that the central US is in for a challenging weekend. After the storm passes, residents may finally see a break in the weather, with cooler temperatures expected to provide some relief starting Sunday.
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