MINNEAPOLIS (FOX Weather): A multi-day severe weather outbreak is expected to develop across the central United States and Upper Midwest this week, with forecasters warning that millions of people could face threats ranging from large hail and damaging winds to tornadoes and localized flash flooding.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, severe storms will first target portions of the Central Plains on Monday before the threat expands into the Upper Midwest by Tuesday and Wednesday. More than 40 million Americans could be affected as the storm system moves eastward.
A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk was in place Monday from Colorado’s Front Range into central Kansas. Forecasters said storms developing during the afternoon and evening could produce hail larger than 2 inches in diameter, wind gusts exceeding 70 mph and isolated tornadoes.
The threat is expected to increase Tuesday as a deep trough develops along the West Coast and a strengthening low-pressure system moves northward across the northern Plains.
According to FOX Weather, high instability fueled by dew points in the 50s and lower 60s combined with daytime heating is expected to create favorable conditions for severe thunderstorms. A Level 3 out of 5 severe weather risk has been issued for parts of North Dakota, where the greatest threat is expected to include very large hail and tornadoes during the afternoon and evening hours.
As storms move east into the Red River Valley overnight, forecasters said damaging straight-line winds could become the primary hazard.
The focus then shifts into Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Wednesday as the storm system tracks into Canada and drags a cold front through the Upper Midwest.
FOX Weather reports a Level 3 out of 5 severe weather risk remains in place across portions of the region, including the Minneapolis metropolitan area, which forecasters identified as a potential focal point for a significant severe weather event.
The Storm Prediction Center warned that a combination of strong wind shear and atmospheric instability could support supercell thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
By Thursday, the severe weather threat is forecast to advance farther east into the Midwest. A Level 2 out of 5 risk area includes more than 26 million people, including residents of Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee, according to FOX Weather.
Forecasters said thunderstorms are expected to develop along a cold front moving through the region, bringing another round of potentially severe weather.
In addition to severe storms, heavy rainfall is expected across parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois through midweek. FOX Weather forecasts widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches, with localized amounts exceeding 3 inches possible where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Because of that potential, a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk has been issued for portions of the Upper Midwest on Wednesday.
Forecasters continue to monitor the evolving storm system and are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert for watches and warnings throughout the week.
