A powerful storm system is expected to bring severe weather, including baseball-sized hail, tornadoes, and the possibility of major floods, to parts of the Midwest tonight.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a severe weather advisory for several states, including Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and others, with the storm extending from the ArkLaTex to the lower Ohio Valley. According to the NWS, severe thunderstorms will pose several risks to the region this evening and overnight.
The most dangerous weather conditions include many tornadoes, some of which might be severe, big hail, and damaging winds. Western Arkansas and southeast Missouri are particularly vulnerable to strong, potentially violent tornadoes. In addition to these threats, widespread flooding is possible as a result of the storms’ heavy rainfall.
We ask residents in the affected states to remain vigilant, review their severe weather preparedness plans, and closely monitor local forecasts. A tornado watch has been issued, indicating the likelihood of tornado activity in the next hours. If a tornado warning is issued, people should seek immediate refuge in a basement or inside a chamber on the lowest floor of a substantial building.
This storm system is one of the most massive and dangerous weather events the region has seen this year, with multiple hazards affecting a large portion of the Midwest. Stay safe and prepared as severe weather hits tonight.
