Get ready, sports fans — Mother Nature is throwing a curveball that could upend your Monday plans. The National Weather Service has issued a serious warning for 15 states stretching from the Plains to the Great Lakes, as a potent storm system threatens to unleash tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail the size of baseballs.
According to the latest forecast, the chance of tornadoes hitting any given area ranges from 2% to 15%, but the potential for multiple strong tornadoes is real. The storms are expected to roll in during the morning and then intensify again in the afternoon and evening, creating a double whammy of severe weather.
The states on high alert include Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. That's a massive swath of the country, and if you live in any of these areas, you need to be prepared.
“A strong storm system will approach the mid Mississippi Valley today, bringing multiple rounds of severe storms this morning and again this afternoon/evening. A threat for multiple strong to intense tornadoes will be likely this afternoon/evening,” the National Weather Service warned in an official statement.
This comes on the heels of other severe weather events across the country. Just last week, 65 MPH winds prompted warnings in Alaska, North Dakota, and Tennessee, and a tornado watch was issued for 12 states. Now, the focus shifts to this massive Monday outbreak.
The National Weather Service is emphasizing the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. A Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes — be prepared and review your safety plan. A Warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar — take action immediately. And if a Tornado Emergency is declared, that's the highest alert: seek shelter without delay.
For those in the path, here's a quick safety refresher: If you're under a Tornado Warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, vehicle, or outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter. And never try to outrun a tornado in your car — shelter in place.
With severe thunderstorms also expected to bring massive winds and large hail, outdoor sports events and practices could be in jeopardy. Check your local forecast and stay tuned to updates from the National Weather Service.
Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on the sky. This is one Monday where the game plan is all about survival.
