The threat of a severe weather outbreak is growing as tens of millions of people across the eastern half of the United States face down severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts, dangerous hail and destructive tornadoes.
“A potentially substantial severe weather outbreak – possibly including a few significant/long-track tornadoes – is anticipated this afternoon and evening,” the Storm Prediction Center warned Tuesday morning.
Tuesday’s storms pose the most significant threat for tornadoes so far this year, with parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana most at risk. Ohio hasn’t been warned of a tornado threat this substantial in more than 10 years, according to SPC data. It’s in this region where strong tornadoes could form and stay on the ground for several miles at a time.
Dangerous storms were already ongoing Tuesday morning in the Ohio Valley with numerous tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued, but a new round will fire up Tuesday afternoon and evening, presenting the greatest risk for destructive weather.
All told, more than 75 million people are at risk for severe thunderstorms from the Gulf Coast to Great Lakes.
Many could encounter damaging winds of 60 to 80 mph and hail ranging from the size of quarters to baseballs.
The prediction center has urged residents in the storms’ path to monitor forecasts because the areas under risk could change.
“Now is the time to ensure you have a severe weather action plan in place,” it advised.
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