Over 35 million residents across the U.S., from Wisconsin to Oklahoma, are facing the threat of severe weather on Friday, following a week marked by destructive storms in some regions.
As storm activity intensifies on Friday afternoon, the formation of discrete supercells is anticipated, which could lead to large hail, powerful tornadoes, and damaging straight-line winds.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has elevated the severe weather risk for certain areas within the Heartland. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 4 out of 5 “moderate risk” warning for parts of northwest Oklahoma, central and eastern Kansas, and west-central Missouri, encompassing cities like Kansas City, Missouri, and Wichita and Topeka in Kansas.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the late afternoon and evening, presenting the potential for hail exceeding the size of baseballs, wind gusts reaching up to 90 mph, and the occurrence of tornadoes.
The highest risk for powerful tornadoes is identified in central and southern Wisconsin extending into eastern Iowa. Meanwhile, northern regions of Illinois and Missouri face the greatest threat from destructive winds.
A tornado watch is currently in effect for portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, including cities such as Madison, Milwaukee, Des Moines, and Davenport, lasting until 8 p.m. CT. The possibility of intense tornadoes, large hail up to 3.5 inches in diameter, and damaging gusts up to 70 mph is significant.
Further tornado watches are in place for areas of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago, valid until 11 p.m. CT. Intense tornadoes, notable wind gusts of 75 mph, and scattered instances of large hail are all potential threats in these regions.
Reports indicate that multiple tornadoes have occurred in Minnesota, with one confirmed tornado sighted in Illinois on Friday.
Additionally, flash flooding is a concern, prompting flood watches from Missouri to northern Michigan.
This severe weather outbreak follows a week of flooding and tornadoes that have already affected parts of the area.
The NWS confirmed a total of 28 tornadoes across nine states, from California to New York this week, with Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois being the most severely impacted.
These storms are set to bring further rainfall to Wisconsin and Michigan, regions already grappling with significant flooding, which has led to states of emergency being declared. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected, exacerbating the risk of river flooding and the potential for sinkholes due to the saturated ground conditions.
Tragically, a 41-year-old man lost his life due to a lightning strike on Wednesday evening in a parking lot located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, according to local authorities.
