Tens of millions of people living in the Midwest and central U.S. could be impacted by tornadoes on Wednesday while critical wildfire conditions continue to impact the Southwest, after recent wildfires and a tornado outbreak killed at least 42 people over the weekend.
A recent tornado outbreak killed dozens of people across the South and Midwest.
Tornado warnings have been issued across areas in northeastern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, with an “enhanced risk” of severe thunderstorms expected for parts of Illinois and Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.
If the dewpoint—the temperature needed for air to reach 100% humidity—increases throughout the day in the forecasted areas, an “enhanced” risk of tornadoes is expected, forecasters said, noting there is still a risk for a “strong tornado or two” if the dewpoint remains low.
Separately, critical wildfire conditions are forecast for New Mexico, Texas, Missouri and Arkansas, with elevated risks of wildfires likely in parts of Louisiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina as each state faces dry conditions and strong winds.
Strong, “damaging” wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour are possible in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Missouri, though severe weather is expected in an area that stretches from Upper Michigan to the Gulf Coast, likely impacting Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, among other states.
Blizzard and winter storm warnings have been issued across northwestern Kansas, eastern Nebraska and northwestern Iowa, with winter weather advisories issued in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
About 30 million. That’s the estimated number of people living in areas facing tornado risks on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
A “significantly severe” risk of tornadoes was forecast for areas near Peoria, Decatur and Champaign, Illinois, and Bloomington and Terre Haute, Indiana. A lower risk is expected around Chicago, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Aurora and Naperville, Illinois, with a 2% chance of tornadoes forecast for St. Louis, Toledo and Dayton, Ohio, Cincinnati and Louisville, Kentucky.
Critical fire conditions will likely impact some cities in Texas, including Laredo, Midland, Odessa and San Antonio, and areas near Jonesboro, Arkansas. The National Weather Service warned of critical conditions in northeastern New Mexico on Thursday, likely affecting areas near Las Vegas, New Mexico, as well as Raton and Tucumcari.
At least 42 people died after tornadoes, wildfires and severe storms ripped across the Southeast and Midwest. More than 400 homes were severely damaged or destroyed amid wildfires in Oklahoma on March 14, according to the Associated Press. Cooler temperatures are expected to mitigate fire weather concerns over the next week, the National Weather Service said, though sustained winds up to 25 miles per hour throughout Oklahoma and northern Texas still pose threats. The recent tornado outbreak followed another major storm that pushed through Southern California, leading to reports of mudslides and tornadoes impacting some regions. At least six people were rescued after being trapped in their vehicles after a wave of mudslides in San Jacinto, local officials said, though no injuries were reported.
At Least 34 Dead As Storms Rip Through South And Midwest (Forbes)