Pesky Cold Front Delivering Plenty of Severe Storms

A line of strong thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening with a primary focus over portions of the Midwest and Mississippi Valley.

A pesky cold front along with an upper-level disturbance will be the main drivers for today’s severe weather threat in the central U.S. A humid, soupy environment will continue to hold down the fort and temperatures will remain warm, leading to an abundance daytime heating. With strong instability and brisk winds aloft, all the ingredients are in place for severe thunderstorms to develop. 

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of the Midwest and Mississippi Valley. This includes Lansing, Mich., Toledo and Dayton, Ohio, all of Indiana, Louisville and Paducah, Ky., Champaign and Mount Vernon, Ill. and Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, Mo. Destructive winds will be the primary concern as wind gusts exceeding 60 mph will be likely. Hail larger than quarters and tornadoes may also occur. Additional severe thunderstorms may stretch from central Texas northeast to northern Michigan and western Pennsylvania.

This cold front will later push east on Thursday, leading to a severe weather threat for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Storms will likely fire in the afternoon and evening with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph as the main concern, although small hail and tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The Storm Prediction Center has already issued a Slight Risk from central North Carolina northeast to western Maine. 

A Tornado Watch has been issued for eastern Missouri, and southern to central Illinois. This includes St. Louis, Quincy, Ill., Springfield, Ill., and Peoria, Ill. A few tornadoes and hail larger than 2 inches are possible across the watch area. A low chance for a significant tornado or two has been included in this watch.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"