A severe weather outbreak is expected over the next few days and possibly into the middle of next week across the central United States, bringing the threat of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.
The most significant target zone on Friday, May 17, will be from South Dakota down through West Texas.
7:56am CDT #SPC Day1 Outlook Enhanced Risk: across portions of nebraska and southeast south dakota as well as parts of western texas https://t.co/GtEvHQ3UxE pic.twitter.com/xgJK7VoQLs
— NWS SPC (@NWSSPC) May 17, 2019
Up to 50 million people could be affected based on areas at risk for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
The system is expected to gain strength Saturday as the storm shifts slightly east, with the most significant threat from the Plains to the Gulf Coast.
It will likely hit populated cities such as Dallas, Houston and Oklahoma City. Hail could exceed the size of a tennis ball or even a baseball.
On Sunday, the storm likely will continue east, targeting Midwest states such as Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
2:26am CDT #SPC Day3 Outlook Slight Risk: across portions of lower michigan, eastern illinois, and much of indiana on sunday https://t.co/6oEffQCHSt pic.twitter.com/7IC6gr2Pxk
— NWS SPC (@NWSSPC) May 17, 2019
On the heels of this system, yet another potential significant storm event will appear early next week for portions of the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley.
Tornado Threats
The storm system is the same one that led to torrential rains to California earlier this week.
Several areas of the country face threats Friday. The most significant threat for tornadoes will be across central Nebraska.
Tonight’s severe weather could develop first as supercells in central Nebraska before coalescing into a squall line as they move northeast.
What does that mean? Check it out… #NEwx #IAwx pic.twitter.com/cBGDiM4B3k
— NWS Omaha (@NWSOmaha) May 17, 2019
Parts of West Texas also are at risk for possible tornadoes. Portions of the mid-Atlantic region, including Washington, could see severe storms later Friday as well.
Flooding remains a concern. Two to 4 inches of rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground across the Central Plains and Upper Midwest.