This Week’s Weather: ‘Potentially Life-Threatening Storms,’ Heavy Snow, and Tornadoes Are All in the Forecast

The start of the week will see the United States experience a variety of severe and dangerous weather patterns ranging from heavy snow to life-threatening storms to tornadoes and severe flooding and other parts may see well above average temperatures and sunny skies.

“Widespread severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, tornadoes (a few of which may become strong) and damaging winds are likely to develop across portions of the Central U.S. this evening,” the National Weather Service said in a Monday early morning statement. “Strong to severe storms will also be possible in the Mid-Atlantic.”

The severe weather began with thunderstorms that pounded parts of the  Northeast with golf ball-sized hail and heavy winds Sunday afternoon and evening. The severe weather left over 120,000 homes and businesses without power in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Severe weather patterns will continue in many parts of the country as well.

The National Weather Service has warned residents and drivers in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah of possible heavy snowfall and difficult travel conditions.

The Midwest is expecting a storm system that is forecast to bring with it large hail and damaging winds. Some areas could see tornadoes on Monday evening before the storm expands to bring more thunderstorm risks on Tuesday.

The NWS said that over 1.5 million residents of Nebraska and Kansas, including Lincoln and Salina, are under a Level 3 enhanced risk of thunderstorms in anticipation of the storms, while 12 million people in Oklahoma, Missouri, and northern Texas are on a lesser Level 2 risk for thunderstorms.

On Tuesday evening, another round of “potentially life-threatening” thunderstorms could target an area stretching from the South, including Little Rock and Memphis, up to the Great Lakes and Chicago. Those areas face downpours, hail, and possible tornadoes, as well as wind gusts of up to 70 mph, forecasters advised.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)