ATLANTA — As the week unfolds, a significant storm system is poised to unleash heavy rain across western states before making its way to the central U.S., where it could produce tornadoes in the South and deposit substantial snow over the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, potentially leading to blizzard conditions.
The forecast comes amidst unusually high temperatures in parts of the central U.S. following a series of weather events nationwide. Recent activity included a likely tornado in central Florida on Monday morning, which passed by a local TV news station during live broadcasts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Over the weekend in Texas, thunderstorms wreaked havoc, overturning semitrailers on Interstate 35 and toppling a recreational vehicle at a drag racing venue south of Dallas. Tragically, this incident lead to the death of the individual in the RV.
The onset of the workweek saw temperatures soar well above average in the Midwest. According to the National Weather Service, this scenario set the stage for “widespread records” to potentially be matched or broken.
Monday’s forecasts called for temperatures to hover around 80 degrees in Omaha, Nebraska, an unusually warm condition for the area. In southwestern Minnesota, residents anticipated highs nearing 70 degrees, and as far north as Fargo, North Dakota, temperatures were predicted to reach around 65 degrees.
Looking ahead, Southern California might endure heavy rain as an atmospheric river, characterized by plumes of water vapor from the ocean, is predicted to drench the area on Thursday, as per the National Weather Service’s projections.
Meanwhile, snow and wind are expected to begin affecting the Intermountain West and Rockies from Thursday into Friday, with the storm rapidly intensifying over the Plains during this period, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
As the system progresses eastward, severe thunderstorms are anticipated across several southern states starting Friday and into Saturday, forecasted by the Storm Prediction Center. This could result in a mix of extreme weather, including thunderstorms and supercells capable of spawning destructive tornadoes.
The most severe weather is predicted for parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee on Friday, progressing into Alabama by Saturday, though the exact impact areas remain uncertain.
Concurrently, the Southwest faces significant wildfire threats, with forecasts highlighting critical conditions on Tuesday in areas like southeastern Arizona and southern New Mexico, extending into west Texas.
The strong winds expected to accompany this weather system could intensify wildfire risks especially in the southern Plains, according to the National Weather Service.
On Monday in Florida, a powerful storm affected the area around Interstate 4 in Seminole County, north of Orlando, causing property damage. This storm notably passed over Fox 35’s studios in Lake Mary while meteorologists were live on the air.
In Texas, efforts continued to address weekend storm damages. Strong winds reaching up to 90 mph removed the roof from a Days Inn along Interstate 45 and caused widespread damage to homes throughout Ellis County.
The individual who tragically died in the RV incident was identified as T.J. Bailey from Midlothian, Texas. His wife and two sons, also in the RV at the time, received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, as reported by Ellis County Justice of the Peace. The community continues its recovery efforts.
