Severe Storm Alert: Tornadoes and Golf Ball-Sized Hail Expected from Illinois to Eastern Texas

A strong weather system is set to hit the central United States this Sunday. Severe thunderstorms could bring tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. This is a significant concern for around 170 million people from Illinois to eastern Texas.

March has already seen a higher number of tornadoes compared to last year. Many areas that faced deadly storms earlier this month may find themselves in danger again.

This weekend’s weather is unusual for this time of year. The Plains and East Coast have felt more like late spring, but a cold front arriving Sunday will change that quickly. A clash between the warm, moist air and the incoming cool air will lead to explosive thunderstorms.

The Storm Prediction Center has warned that over 25 million people are facing a level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather, which includes cities like Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Additionally, approximately 40 million more are at a level 2 risk, affecting places like Dallas, Chicago, and Cleveland.

Already, there have been reports of huge hail in Oklahoma City, with stones as large as golf balls. The storms are expected to become more intense as they move east from late Sunday into the night. Forecasters predict strong tornadoes (EF2 or higher), hail larger than golf balls, and wind gusts capable of causing widespread destruction.

A tornado watch is in effect in parts of southern and central Illinois, central and southwest Indiana, and a small part of northwest Kentucky and southeast Missouri until 8 PM ET. This watch includes 4.5 million people, affecting cities like Indianapolis and Carbondale.

Nighttime storms raise the risk of fatalities. A 2022 study found that tornadoes happening at night are nearly twice as deadly as those during the day. Alongside the severe storms, heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding across southern and midwestern regions.

By Monday, the threat of severe weather will continue as these powerful storms sweep eastward, threatening nearly 100 million people from New Orleans to Boston. The Northeast will mainly face strong wind gusts, while the South can expect a range of severe weather conditions, including hail and tornadoes.

March has been a notable month for tornado activity. So far, there have been about 300 tornado reports this year, nearly double the number reported by this time last year. Historically, only a few years have seen more tornadoes in the first three months than 2023.

Last year, tornado activity surged in late spring and right through December, totaling almost 2,000 reports—the second highest on record. As this spring unfolds, meteorologists are on alert for more severe weather systems, with another potential round of storms already being monitored for Wednesday.

Residents in affected areas should stay updated on weather alerts. It’s crucial to have multiple ways to receive information, especially during nighttime storms.

For detailed weather updates, refer to authoritative sources like the National Weather Service or the Storm Prediction Center.

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