This post summarizes an unfolding severe weather event expected to impact large portions of the United States this weekend, touching the Midwest, central Plains, Southeast and the Southwest. Drawing on warnings from the National Weather Service and forecasts from AccuWeather, I review the primary hazards — severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, damaging winds, flash flooding — as well as the concurrent extreme heat in the Southwest. Practical safety steps are based on three decades of meteorological and emergency-preparedness experience.
Midwest, Plains and Southeast: a multi-hazard severe weather outbreak
The National Weather Service is warning of strong thunderstorms across the Midwest, central Plains and Southeast, with an evolving system capable of producing widespread damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. Meteorologists are especially concerned about nocturnal storms that will continue through Monday, increasing the risk because many people are asleep and less likely to receive warnings.
Where the highest risks are located
Geographic focus: Areas from Nebraska to Minnesota are most at risk initially. The system is moving east and south toward population centers including Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Des Moines.
The Plains and Midwest are singled out by AccuWeather as regions where severe storms could cause significant damage.
Primary hazards include:
Flash flood potential and ongoing impacts
One of the most concerning aspects of this outbreak is the potential for very heavy rainfall over a relatively short time span. Forecasts indicate up to nine inches of rain from northern Missouri into southern Wisconsin, elevating flash flood threats across urban and rural watersheds.
Current impacts and near-term outlook
Already, more than 50,000 Nebraskans have lost power as storms moved through the Plains. Expect numerous nocturnal thunderstorms through Monday, which increases the risk of rapid runoff and localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained neighborhoods.
In the Southeast, convection is expected to develop over northern Florida and southern Georgia. Coastal southeast Georgia should monitor for localized flooding from intense bursts of rain and elevated tide levels that can exacerbate inundation during onshore flow.
Southwest: concurrent extreme heat event
While the central U.S. contends with severe storms and floods, the Southwest is experiencing a separate but equally dangerous hazard: an intense heat wave. Phoenix recorded a daytime high of 118°F, breaking daily and monthly records.
Scottsdale, Yuma and other Arizona cities also reported record temperatures.
Heat risks and short-term forecast
Although some cooling is expected over the weekend, many locations are still forecast to exceed 110°F.
That sustained extreme heat increases risks for heat-related illness, stress on power grids, and potential wildfires in brush and grasslands.
As an experienced meteorologist, I urge the public to treat these simultaneous hazards with seriousness.
Communicate plans with family, charge devices, and know your local shelter options if power outages or evacuations occur.
Safety checklist:
Here is the source article for this story: Severe Storms To Slam Midwest, Southeast, As West Deals With Dangerous Heat | Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM