BRYAN, Texas — A significant severe threat is evolving for parts of the Midwest Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening, which will include major Metro areas.
A potent surface low to the west of the region is pulling in deep Gulf moisture Friday night as a strong upper-level storm system crosses the Rockies. The deep moisture will remain in place Saturday as the surface low moves toward the east. Saturday afternoon, as the low moves east, a vigorous upper-level jet streak will move over the area, which will set the stage for intense supercells to develop as adequate daytime heating takes place. The supercells that develop will have to capability to produce damaging winds, very large hail and there is a high tornado chance as a strong low-level jet establishes itself.
The severe threat will extend south, along an eastward moving Pacific cold front, into parts of the Mid-South. The severe threat is more conditional farther south but strong winds, hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. A Level 4 risk (Moderate Risk) is in place for southeastern Iowa, extending east into northern Illinois. A Level 3 risk (Enhanced Risk) is in place for northeastern Missouri, extending east into central Illinois and northwestern Indiana. A Level 2 risk (Slight Risk) extends south into Kentucky, Tennessee, northern Mississippi and northwestern Alabama.
Make sure you have a plan in place if a Watch or Warning is issued for your area. Make plans early and call local community shelters to ensure they’re open during this pandemic and to acquire information on safe sheltering with COVID-19 being so prevalent.
