Following a severe storm in Houston that resulted in eight deaths, 25 million Americans are preparing for more intense weather across the country.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning for significant thunderstorms expected on Tuesday across the Midwest and western Great Lakes, with Iowa and nearby areas facing the highest risks.
The NWS anticipates damaging winds and flash flooding, particularly in Iowa, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph. Residents are advised to seek higher ground and avoid floodwaters.
The NWS office in Des Moines has reported severe thunderstorms with wind speeds of 60-70 mph and hail up to 1 inch in diameter. Multiple flash flood warnings are in place, and people are urged to take shelter until conditions improve.
Midwest and Great Lakes brace for thunderstorms, wind gusts, and potential flash flooding.On Tuesday afternoon, storms are expected to redevelop in eastern Nebraska and northern Missouri before moving northeast toward the Great Lakes.
The NWS predicts that these storms may evolve into a severe line by evening, with potential isolated storms in parts of eastern Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, and central Texas.
The forecast includes the possibility of tornadoes, wind gusts up to 75 mph, and hail up to 2 inches in diameter from Tuesday through Wednesday.
Heavy rain could lead to flash flooding across the upper Midwest through Tuesday night. Additionally, from the Ozarks to south Texas, thunderstorms are anticipated to develop from mid-afternoon to evening, with large hail and severe gusts possible.
By Wednesday morning, the system is expected to move toward southern Canada, with the heavy rain threat diminishing across the Great Lakes.
However, a cold front will likely become stationary across the southern Plains, potentially leading to further severe weather and heavy rainfall. The threat will extend to the mid-Mississippi Valley on Wednesday night.
These warnings follow the recent storm in Houston, where fast-moving thunderstorms led to eight deaths, including incidents involving falling trees and a crane. Houston’s mayor, John Witmire, reported that one of the deaths resulted from carbon monoxide poisoning.