Series of damaging storms are expected to lash several areas of US Plains and Midwest during the next 48 hours. According to meteorologists, the present weather conditions are conducive for these storms to intensify. These winds are expected to be accompanied by hail and tornadoes.
As per local reports, this could be the worst weather outbreak so far during this spring season. The areas which are expected to bear the brunt include Kansas City, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. These areas inhibit around 30 million people.
Thunderstorms have already lashed Indiana and Missouri at dawn. Reportedly, the chances of tornadoes have now extended from the Kansas-Oklahoma to the St Louis area.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, storms are usually forming in the afternoon and early evening. What has worsened the situation is another day of warm Thursday along with humidity, highly unstable atmosphere and a jet stream.
Storms blowing in an area from northern Oklahoma to western Illinois will be of great significance as they are expected to have hail of around 2 inches along with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph. Tornadoes are rated at EF2 level or even higher.
According to local weather reports, more widespread severe thunderstorms are expected on Thursday, which are travelling from the Southern Plains to the Mississippi Valley, southern Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.
Picture courtesy: The Guardian
