Severe Weather Threat Lingers Across Central and Southern Plains

Posted: July 13, 2023 2:02 pm

The chance of severe storms will remain focused on the central portion of the nation in the coming days. A new chance of stormy conditions will fire up just one day after a complex of tornadoes damaged a few dozen homes near Chicago. Read on for the latest information about the risks of severe weather heading into the weekend.

Stormy Activity to Persist in Central U.S.

A parade of more storms is expected to form across the Plains states, bringing the typical impacts of damaging winds and hail. Some of the communities in the line of fire are the same areas that have been pummeled over the last few weeks.

Just as severe weather continues its march through the central U.S., the Northeast will be gearing up for the risk of more flooding. Heavy rain is set to fall on parts of the Northeast that are still waiting for waters to recede from the flooding event earlier in the week.

The nation’s heartland will be the primary impact zone for severe weather heading into the weekend. This weather pattern could spell trouble for Americans trying to get out and enjoy the summer weather with outdoor plans.

Thursday and Friday will see the worst of the storms set up between Interstate 40 and Interstate 80. The massive heat dome currently anchored over the Southwest will go to battle against cooler air coming down from Canada to create the ideal conditions for storm development.

The energy that is produced from this collision will serve as the fuel for these storms, most likely to happen during the afternoon and evening hours.

The storm cells will bring wind gusts as high as 70 mph. These wind speeds will come with the risks of toppled power lines and trees. High-profile vehicles will also want to be aware of the threat of strong gusts when heading out on the interstate highways.

In addition to the winds creating problems, standing water on the roads could also raise the risk of hydroplaning.

Looking Ahead to the Weekend

The chance of thunderstorms will linger into the weekend as more energy moves across the central and southern Plains and provides the backbone for the storms to take root. The highest risk of rocky weather later in the weekend will be across the Ohio Valley, the Great Lakes, and into the southern Appalachians.

Although these periodic storms could ruin some outdoor activities this weekend, any moisture associated with the weather maker will be a welcome relief for parts of the country grappling with drought conditions. Some areas of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri are under the designation of severe to exceptional drought.

Forecasters are predicting that some portions of the Plains could record 1 to 3 inches of rain over the course of the next few days. The long-range forecast details that the persistent train of storms could last in the Plains well into the beginning of August.

Chicago Cleaning Up After Storm’s Aftermath

The Chicago metro area was hit by a complex of tornadoes on Wednesday. The storm’s worst damage occurred near O’Hare International Airport. Hundreds of passengers using the airport were forced to take shelter as the twisters descended upon the Windy City.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Chicago confirmed a tornado touchdown shortly before 6:30 pm local time in Summit, Illinois. This suburb is located about 10 miles southwest of the downtown area.

It was only 30 minutes later that another tornado was confirmed to touch the ground near O’Hare. Airport officials funneled passengers and workers to the lowest level of the facility to take shelter. Over 170 flights were canceled with more than 550 flights delayed as a result of the interruption to services at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Tornado sirens also wailed throughout downtown Chicago on Wednesday evening. The scene was particularly worrisome to residents living in the many high-rise apartments in this part of the city.

Some of the worst damage occurred about 30 miles northwest of Chicago in Elgin County. Local officials are reporting significant damage to up to 30 homes in this part of the metro area.

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