A new storm system is expected to reach the Midwest and Plains, bringing tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds as tornado season continues to advance across much of the United States.
The first storms are expected to hit the Plains on Thursday, according to FOX Weather, “with Friday’s threat situated further north and east, over the eastern Plains and Midwest.”
The majority of the threat on Thursday is focused on and near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; and Wichita Falls, Texas.
The most severe weather is expected in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas on Friday as the threat spreads over a larger area of the central United States. There’s a chance of thunderstorms and showers in some places.
Residents in affected regions may receive notifications for severe thunderstorm and tornado watches; they are reminded to take appropriate safety steps and remain vigilant.
Read Also: California’s Seismic Forecast: Mapping the Safest Spot Amidst Potential Quakes
A storm season with increased activity
As we approach May, one of the busiest months of the tornado season, we may expect an increase in the frequency of tornadoes and related storms.
Half of all tornadoes that strike in the United States occurs between April and June, according to Yahoo News. According to FOX Weather, there have been 341 tornado reports so far in 2024, which is 10% more than in a normal year.
Joe Lundberg, a long-range expert with AccuWeather, told Yahoo News that May will be just as turbulent as the current season.
Tornado activity peaks in May, when there are usually between 275 and 300 cases. In March, AccuWeather forecast that May would see a higher-than-normal number of tornadoes.
“A big storm system moving in from the Pacific will emerge over the Plains about April 26-29 which could spark the next big severe weather outbreak,” Yahoo News stated, speculating on the end of this week and the beginning of the next.
