A powerful weather system spanning over 30 states poses significant dangers to more than 100 million Americans starting Friday.
According to Fox Weather, the severe weather outbreak could generate hurricane-force wind gusts and strong tornadoes, with the system expected to move from the Midwest through the Southeast and eventually reach the Northeast by Sunday.
The FOX Forecast Center has been monitoring this developing system since last week, identifying a particularly concerning period from Friday through the weekend. The outbreak's most intense phase is anticipated to begin Friday afternoon, potentially continuing overnight as the storm system intensifies across the central United States.
The tornado threat extends more than 1,000 miles, with the highest risk zone stretching 750 miles from Iowa to Mississippi. A powerful squall line is expected to form across Missouri and Iowa Friday afternoon before moving eastward through the Mississippi Valley.
More than 6.5 million residents in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas face a level 4 out of 5 risk of severe weather. Major cities like St. Louis, Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign lie within this highest threat zone.
The system's intensity is amplified by Gulf moisture, which is projected to surge northward into the Mississippi Valley, potentially reaching as far as Iowa, southwestern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois.
The weather system's progression eastward on Saturday will place tens of millions from the Gulf Coast to the southern Great Lakes under severe weather risk. Atmospheric conditions favor the development of supercell thunderstorms and fast-moving squall lines.
New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery residents face a level 4 out of 5 severe weather risk. The combination of rich Gulf moisture and strong wind shear creates optimal conditions for severe weather development.
These storms could produce significant hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Additionally, the heavy rainfall might trigger flooding in certain areas.
The system's final phase targets the East Coast on Sunday, affecting more than 45 million people along the Interstate 95 corridor. Major metropolitan areas from northern Florida to New Jersey fall under a level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat.
Cities in the danger zone include Savannah, Charleston, Raleigh, Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. While Sunday's severe weather risk remains extensive, forecasters note a decreased likelihood of hail and tornadoes compared to previous days.
The FOX Forecast Center states:
Sunday's severe threat, while expansive, the threat for hail and tornadoes drops and is just a damaging wind threat.
A dangerous multiday severe weather outbreak threatens communities across the central and eastern United States, with risks of hurricane-force winds and strong tornadoes beginning Friday. The system will progress from the Midwest through the Southeast before reaching the East Coast by Sunday, affecting more than 100 million people across at least 30 states. The storm's intensity and widespread impact have prompted meteorologists to urge residents in affected areas to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions throughout the weekend.
