Millions Face ​​​​​​​Tornado Threats​​​​​​​ From Powerful Spring Storms

Millions across a wide swatch of the United States are bracing for powerful spring storms packing the potential for tornado threats, heavy rain, hail and snow over the next few days. A potent storm system is firing up severe weather that could impact areas from Texas to New England.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the Ohio Valley and Southeast in an enhanced risk for severe storms on Tuesday, noting conditions will be favorable for strong tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds. “Tornado threats will be highest in these areas,” said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center.

More than 50 million people are under threat from the dangerous storms according to forecasters. The storms could produce baseball sized hail, wind gusts over 75 mph and several tornado threats. Isolated tornadoes are possible across a wide area stretching from Eastern Texas to Western Pennsylvania. Residents should have multiple ways to receive warnings and take shelter immediately if a warning is issued for their area.

Heavy Rain And Snow To Impact Travel

Areas from Central Texas through the Tennessee Valley into the Midwest face the greatest risk of strong tornadoes on Tuesday according to the Storm Prediction Center. Tornado threats will remain high throughout the day as the storms track east.

Isolated tornadoes are also possible farther east into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Wednesday according to forecasters. The powerful spring storms come at a time when many are still recovering from deadly tornadoes that struck areas like Kentucky last December. Residents need to remain weather aware and prepared.

In addition to the tornado threats, heavy rain and snow is also in the forecast with this storm system. Several inches of rain could cause flash flooding issues across the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. Meanwhile accumulating snow is expected in parts of the Great Lakes and interior Northeast which will snarl travel. Forecasters urge residents in these areas to stay tuned for later forecasts as snow amounts may change.