Midwest, Ozarks thru Texas: Severe storms could bring violent tornadoes

It’s another day very similar to last Friday, March 31. There are two areas where a moderate risk, 4 out of 5 on the severity scale, of severe storms have been issued. A larger area extends from the Great Lakes, through the Midwest to northeastern Texas has an enhanced risk, level 3 out of 5. Get ready for an active afternoon and evening.

The pattern is in place for another round of numerous storms, which could produce numerous tornadoes, some of which could be at least EF2. There is plenty of moisture and warmth coming in from the Gulf of Mexico and a very cold front sweeping in from the west, which will lift the warm and moisture up in the air and create unstable conditions leading to severe storms.

Analyzing the setup, our WeatherRadar shows that the first few rounds of storms should appear over Iowa and northern Illinois late this afternoon, after 4 p.m. local time. The radar will quickly start becoming busier with more storms filling in through the south as the cold front pushes east.

This time around, it seems like most of the activity over the South will arrive in the evening. This means that if you leave anywhere between northeastern Texas, Arkansas, and southeastern Missouri you must stay weather-aware tonight. Preferably sleep in a secure place as tornadic night storms will be very likely.

Storms that develop will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and violent tornadoes. This setup could sustain tornadoes of at least EF 2 on the Enhanced Fujita scale.

Please, if you live in a mobile home, make sure to spend the night in a safer location, preferably a location that has an underground shelter. Have at least three ways for receiving weather alerts and have important documents with you.

We will be tracking the storms through the evening and bringing you prompt updates on our app, and on social media.

On Wednesday, the risk for severe storms continues east. There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms for about 45 million people. Large Metropolitan cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Memphis, should be aware of tornadic storms that can spin up in the morning on Wednesday and continue moving eastward through the late afternoon.