Millions of people across the U.S. are bracing for a powerful and potentially dangerous stretch of severe weather this week. From the Plains to the Southeast, forecasters are warning of intense storms bringing large hail, fierce winds, and even strong tornadoes.
The trouble started Sunday with thunderstorms rolling through parts of Oklahoma and Texas. But the worst of it is just beginning. Experts say Monday night through Wednesday will bring the most severe conditions, as all the right ingredients for major storms are coming together. A strong low-pressure system is developing in the Plains, pulling warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. That mix creates the perfect environment for storms to build and gain strength.
One big concern? The winds high up in the atmosphere are shifting in speed and direction, creating wind shear — a key factor that can make storms start rotating and spawn tornadoes. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) says these fast-developing thunderstorms could produce massive hail, destructive wind gusts, and dangerous tornadoes, especially in the southern Plains.
As these storms get organized, the risk spreads across major areas — including cities like Oklahoma City, Wichita, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. More than 3 million people in parts of Texas and Oklahoma are facing a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather, while over 8 million others remain at Level 2 risk.
Tuesday looks even more dangerous, with the severe weather threat expanding from eastern Texas and Oklahoma all the way to western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. More than 41 million people are in the danger zone. Southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and central Mississippi face the highest risk, with cities like Shreveport, Jackson, and Monroe bracing for the worst.
The impact of the incoming storms is already being felt. In Louisiana, Mardi Gras celebrations took a hit as officials in Jefferson Parish canceled parades due to the threat of high winds. “We’ve been in communication with the National Weather Service, and tomorrow’s weather, especially the gusty winds, is severe enough that we have no other choice but to cancel our scheduled parades,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.
Forecasters are especially worried about the overnight hours when many of these storms are expected to hit. Tornadoes forming at night are harder to spot and more dangerous because people are often asleep and may not hear warnings.
By Wednesday, the severe weather threat will barrel east, putting more than 67 million people along the East Coast at risk. Cities from southeastern Georgia up to southeastern Pennsylvania — including Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Raleigh — could face powerful storms fueled by the day’s heat.
As this storm system gains momentum, experts are urging people to stay informed and prepared. With the potential for strong tornadoes and damaging winds, knowing your safety plan could make all the difference.
