Multi-day Storm Event Will Impact the Plains This Week 

Posted: May 1, 2023 3:14 pm

May is coming in strong with a number of storm systems forecast to move through the nation’s heartland this week. Here is the latest about the potential of severe weather in the coming days across the central U.S.

First Week of May Forecast to Get Off to a Stormy Start for the Plains States

The month of May is picking up where April left off. The first week of May is shaping up to bring more instances of severe weather to a large part of the country.

The storm system that is already bringing rain and cooler temperatures to the West Coast is going to direct some of its energy across the Plains in the coming days, setting the stage for storm development off and on throughout the week.

While Monday was mostly calm for the Plains states, a line of storms is forecast to develop on Tuesday afternoon in an area stretching from the southeastern corner of Colorado and down through New Mexico and into western Texas.

These storms will bring the risk of heavy rain, localized flash flooding, hail, and strong winds. Cities in the primary impact zone of Tuesday’s storm activity include Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas, and Roswell, New Mexico.

Forecasters are warning people in this area that the wind gusts that are expected to accompany these storms could whip up and trigger poor visibility conditions. This part of the country has been particularly dry lately, making it more likely that the winds will blow around dust and dirt.

This weather maker will stick around in the southern and central Plains on Wednesday. While the overall intensity of the storms are predicted to be less severe on Wednesday when compared to Tuesday, residents will want to stay alert for the potential of inclement weather.

Looking Ahead to Thursday

Yet another mass of energy will push into the southern Plains on Thursday, bringing a new round of risks to the region.

These storms are forecast to expand from south-central Kansas, down through Oklahoma, and into the middle of Texas. The most likely time for the storms to ignite will be on Thursday afternoon and evening.

This line of storms could also produce tornadic activity in addition to the typical risks of hail and strong winds. Cities that need to be ready for stormy conditions on Thursday include Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio.

Travelers using interstates 20, 34, 40, and 44 will want to be prepared for poor road conditions and reduced visibility.

Thursday’s storms could bring beneficial rain to the drought-stricken areas of Kansas and Oklahoma. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 50% of the state of Kansas is still under the designation of an exceptional drought.

The northern, western, and central portions of Oklahoma have also been experiencing this level of drought categorization after a dry winter.

This multi-day storm system is expected to continue to push eastward throughout the weekend. Stay tuned to the forecast as the experts pinpoint what part of the eastern U.S. will see the greatest chance of storms putting a damper on any outdoor weekend plans.

Areas that may see this activity include the Gulf Coast and Florida. At this point, the Northeast and mid-Atlantic are forecast to be spared another weekend washout.

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