Weather Woes Continue: Mississippi Valley and South Brace for Severe Storms, Midwest Faces Snow, and Southeast Deals with Wildfires
The Mississippi Valley and the Deep South are bracing for another round of potentially devastating weather, just a week after a deadly tornado outbreak ravaged the region. Forecasters are warning of damaging high winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes across a wide swath of states on Sunday and Monday. Meanwhile, the upper Midwest is preparing for a significant snowfall, and the Southeast is battling wildfires exacerbated by dry and windy conditions.
Meteorologist Kwan-Yin Kong, in a statement released by the Weather Prediction Center, highlighted the primary threats facing the Mississippi Valley and South: "Damaging thunderstorm wind gusts, large hail, along with possible tornadoes." This dire forecast comes on the heels of an earlier outbreak of tornadoes that tore through the region earlier this month, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of over 40 people across Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, and Missouri. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands were left without power.
The severe weather threat is fueled by a front that brought heavy downpours and hail to Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma on Saturday. This front is expected to expand throughout Sunday as warm, humid air is drawn in from the Gulf of Mexico, creating a volatile atmospheric environment conducive to the formation of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. AccuWeather is predicting that wind gusts could reach speeds of 60-70 mph, further amplifying the potential for damage.
The areas under threat from the severe weather extend across a vast geographical area, encompassing parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Missouri. Residents in these states are urged to stay informed, monitor weather alerts, and have a plan in place in case severe weather strikes. This includes knowing where to seek shelter, having a supply of essential items, and being prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
While the South grapples with the threat of severe storms, a separate weather system is poised to deliver a significant snowfall to the upper Midwest. The approaching system will draw in enough cold air to support moderate to locally heavy snow across the region on Sunday. Kong forecasts that the snow will become more widespread overnight, with accumulations of 6 to 8 inches possible, and locally higher amounts expected across the upper Midwest and upper Great Lakes. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate as the snow intensifies, and residents are advised to exercise caution on the roads.
The two weather systems, one bringing severe weather to the South and the other bringing snow to the Midwest, are expected to merge on Monday. This merger will extend the risk of severe weather to the Gulf Coast states, potentially bringing more damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes to an area already reeling from the recent outbreak. The merger will also bring snow from upstate New York to interior New England on Monday, before colder and drier air is ushered into the entire region behind a cold front. This cold front will bring relief from the severe weather threat, but it will also usher in a period of colder temperatures and potentially hazardous travel conditions.
Adding to the weather-related woes, the Southeast is currently battling a number of wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. The combination of low relative humidity, wind gusts peaking at up to 25 mph, and dry fuels is creating a significant risk of adverse fire behavior in parts of North Carolina, according to the National Weather Service. At least three major wildfires are currently burning in the state, and the state Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning in an effort to prevent further outbreaks.
The situation is particularly critical in South Carolina, where Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency to ensure that firefighters have the resources they need to combat the Table Rock Fire. The statewide burning ban remains in effect, and wildfire risks remain high across the state. Gov. McMaster emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating in a statement, "Anyone who violates this ban can and will go to jail."
The convergence of severe weather threats across different regions of the United States highlights the importance of preparedness and vigilance. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed, monitor weather alerts, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The combination of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, snowstorms, and wildfires presents a complex and challenging situation for emergency responders and local authorities, who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.
