Intense Tornado Threat Looms Over Ohio Valley as Severe Weather Outbreak Continues
Intense Tornado Threat Looms Over Ohio Valley
Stay updated on the intense tornado threat looming over the Ohio Valley as the severe weather outbreak continues.
The severe weather outbreak that caused damage in the nation’s heartland on Monday is expected to intensify on Tuesday, with forecasters warning of the potential for strong, long-track tornadoes across parts of Ohio, northern and central Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana. The FOX Forecast Center has reported that an initial round of severe thunderstorms hit portions of the Ohio Valley early Tuesday morning, with an 84-mph wind gust recorded near Evansville, Indiana.
Significant Storm Damage and Power Outages Reported
City officials have reported significant storm damage, particularly on the north side of Evansville, and crews are working to clear roads and restore power outages. The severe weather risk extends from the Ohio Valley to the Gulf Coast and as far east as western portions of Virginia and the Carolinas, with nearly 79 million Americans facing the threat of severe storms between Tuesday and Tuesday night.
A second round of severe weather is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, with supercells developing after the passage of a warm front. In addition to the significant tornado threat, large hail and 70-plus-mph wind gusts are also possible.
Level 4 out of 5 Risk Issued for Ohio Valley
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather in parts of Ohio, northern and central Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana, covering nearly 9 million people, including the cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, and Lexington. FOX Weather Meteorologist Marissa Torres warned, “When you get into where the conditions are just so ripe, we could have some long-duration long-track potential tornadoes here, and tornadoes that are EF-2 or stronger.”
A Tornado Watch has been issued until 12 p.m. EDT for portions of central and northern Kentucky and southern Indiana, with additional watches likely to be issued throughout the day. The SPC has cautioned that “some tornadoes may be long-lived and strong.”
Start of the Most Active Tornado Season
This widespread multiday severe weather outbreak is expected to impact tens of millions of Americans in the eastern half of the country through Tuesday, marking the start of the most active three months for tornadoes in the U.S.
April typically kicks off the most active three months for tornadoes in the U.S., and this year is no exception. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to have a plan in place in case of a tornado warning.