A Severe Weather Outbreak Could Affect Millions This Weekend Across the Central US

Photograph of hail stones beside a golf ball on the ground in Alto, southeast of Dallas, Texas on April 7, 2019. Still image from video via Reuters

A severe weather outbreak is expected over the next few days and possibly into the middle of next week across the central United States, bringing the threat of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.

The most significant target zone on Friday, May 17, will be from South Dakota down through West Texas.

Up to 50 million people could be affected based on areas at risk for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.

The system is expected to gain strength Saturday as the storm shifts slightly east, with the most significant threat from the Plains to the Gulf Coast.

It will likely hit populated cities such as Dallas, Houston and Oklahoma City. Hail could exceed the size of a tennis ball or even a baseball.

On Sunday, the storm likely will continue east, targeting Midwest states such as Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

On the heels of this system, yet another potential significant storm event will appear early next week for portions of the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley.

Tornado Threats

The storm system is the same one that led to torrential rains to California earlier this week.

Several areas of the country face threats Friday. The most significant threat for tornadoes will be across central Nebraska.

Parts of West Texas also are at risk for possible tornadoes. Portions of the mid-Atlantic region, including Washington, could see severe storms later Friday as well.

Flooding remains a concern. Two to 4 inches of rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground across the Central Plains and Upper Midwest.