A severe weather event is currently ongoing, bringing the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. The storm system, which has been increasing in strength, has already caused widespread destruction, including reports of tornadoes in Oklahoma and hailstones as large as baseballs in parts of Texas.
This multi-day severe thunderstorm event is anticipated to peak on Tuesday afternoon and evening, with the risk of intense, potentially long-track tornadoes extending from southeast Indiana across Ohio and over portions of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Storm Prediction Center has cautioned that hailstones could exceed 2 inches in diameter, and destructive winds could reach up to 75 mph.
The severity of the storms has led the Storm Prediction Center to issue a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms in much of Ohio and parts of Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The potential for strong tornadoes in Ohio is particularly high, with the state already reporting a significant number of tornadoes this year.
As the severe weather system moves through the central US, more than 85 storms were reported by Monday night, with large hailstones reported in Texas and the surrounding areas. The system is also expected to bring wintry weather, with rain transitioning to snow and a wintry mix in areas of the Midwest and Great Lakes, and winter storm watches in effect for much of the interior Northeast.
The potential for significant snowfall totals is especially high in parts of northern Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin, where over a foot of snowfall is possible through Wednesday afternoon. This winter-like weather, combined with gusts of up to 50 mph, could lead to blowing snow, power outages, and travel delays.
Conversely, major cities in the Northeast, including New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, are currently forecast to see rain.
As the situation continues to develop, residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to monitor forecasts and prepare a severe weather action plan. The Storm Prediction Center has emphasized the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of individuals and their property.