Millions of people in the Ohio Valley region and Northeast are facing dangerous weather alerts as a storm system brings heavy rain, tornado threats, and snow. A severe weather outbreak is expected for areas such as the Ohio Valley, middle Tennessee, and the Southeast, with multiple rounds of storms throughout the day. Tornado watches are in effect for 4 million people along the Ohio River with the potential for 90 mph winds. Over 54 million people are at risk as severe storms stretch from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, causing flooding in Columbus, Ohio.
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has warned of late-season heavy snow and gusty winds in the Great Lakes and Northeast through midweek. Wisconsin has issued a winter storm warning with wet heavy snow and wind gusts up to 40 mph expected over the next 24 hours. High winds and hail are threatening central Indiana and Ohio, with potential tornadoes in Indiana. Flooding is also a concern, with 16 million people from Illinois to Pennsylvania under flood watches. The Ohio Valley will experience the highest flood threat, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour which could lead to flash flooding.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a slight risk of excessive rainfall for parts of the lower Great Lakes, Ohio and Tennessee valleys, and central Appalachians through Wednesday morning. Localized flash flooding is expected, posing a risk to urban areas, roads, and small streams. On Wednesday, 15 million people will be at risk for severe storms across the mid-Atlantic and Florida. A secondary low-pressure system along the mid-Atlantic coast could bring heavy, wet snow and sleet to the Northeast, causing significant snow accumulations in upstate New York and northern New England.
The Weather Prediction Center has also issued a slight risk of severe thunderstorms over the Florida Peninsula from Wednesday into Thursday morning, with the potential for frequent lightning, severe wind gusts, hail, and possible tornadoes. The storm system is expected to bring hazardous conditions for travel due to low visibility and snow-covered roads. Overall, the storm system is creating dangerous conditions for millions of people throughout the Ohio Valley region, Northeast, and Southeast, with potential for severe weather, heavy rain, tornadoes, and snowfall. It is crucial for those in affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this turbulent weather event.