More Dangerous Storms Today Nebraska to Wisconsin
May 02, 2012; 10:53 AM
In the wake of damaging thunderstorms late on Tuesday, more severe storms will be on the prowl later today over parts of the Upper Midwest.
Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph will be the primary threat once again, though some storms could drop large hail or even spawn tornadoes.
The area at greatest risk for these powerful thunderstorms late this afternoon and early tonight stretches from eastern Nebraska east through Iowa, far southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin.
This includes the metropolitan areas of Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.; Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa; Rochester, Minn.; and La Crosse, Wis.
A portion of this region will be drenched by storms early today, while other areas were socked by severe storms on Tuesday night.
Hail greater than 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts above 60 mph were reported over parts of South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota.
The same storm system responsible for last night's severe weather will again be liable later today. In fact, disturbances leftover in the atmosphere from the storms could act as "trigger points" for today's storms, which will fire in a very warm and humid air mass.
Since storms are expected to organize in clusters and lines, the threat for a widespread damaging wind event will be elevated. Numerous trees, power lines and even some weak structures could be uprooted by these strong winds.
In addition to a driving rain thanks to a very moisture-rich atmosphere, hail will further reduce visibility for motorists and could leave some cars with dings and dents.
While a large outbreak is not anticipated, a few storms could show a tendency to rotate and drop a tornado for a brief period of time. Even a brief tornado touchdown can leave severe damage in its wake.
Strong Storms from Michigan to Virginia, Too
Other strong storms will impact the Great Lakes and eventually parts of the Appalachians today as well. These thunderstorms will travel near or along a warm front stretching from northern Michigan to the mid-Atlantic coast.
Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and even Washington, D.C., residents may have to seek shelter indoors at some point as these storms press off to the south and east through tonight.
A drenching downpour and a strong wind gust from these storms will interrupt what will otherwise have been a sunny and unusually warm day.
As if the region had been thrown head-first into summer, more warm and humid conditions will lead to more drenching showers and storms from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic on Thursday.