Winter storm warning: severe thunderstorms, snow and heavy rain threaten multiple U.S. regions

Severe weather is coming back in early April across central parts of the U.S. with thunderstorms, tornadoes and heavy rain possible. A meteorologist warned that hail, strong winds, tornadoes and flooding rain could disrupt travel and outdoor plans into Easter weekend, said Alex Sosnowski of AccuWeather. At the same time, freezing rain and snow are expected in northern parts of the country, bringing a winter-like feel.

A weather front stretched from the Northeast to Northern California and is expected to stay almost in the same place for days, causing repeated storms, said NOAA. Tuesday’s storms may bring large hail, strong winds and a few tornadoes, especially from southern Michigan to parts of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, said Brandon Buckingham, as cited by USA Today.

Severe storm risk

The Storm Prediction Center issued a slight risk warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley through Wednesday morning. Hazards include frequent lightning, damaging winds, hail and a few tornadoes, as stated the Weather Prediction Center. Rain and freezing rain are expected from the Upper Mississippi Valley and Upper Great Lakes into parts of the Northeast.

Snow and freezing rain

Light snow is also expected in northern Maine and parts of the Northern Plains. By Wednesday, patches of rain and freezing rain will spread from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes, with more snow in the Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley, as stated by USA Today. On Wednesday, severe weather is expected to move south into the Plains and Mississippi Valley. Storms could hit areas from central Texas to Kansas and Missouri.

Heavy thunderstorms warning

Heavy thunderstorms are also expected in parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic region. Some storms may bring winds strong enough to break tree branches and blow trash cans around, said Alex Sosnowski. On Thursday, severe weather risk returns to parts of the Midwest. Thursday’s storms could produce strong winds and hail from northern Arkansas to southern Michigan.

Total rainfall of 1 to 4 inches is expected from Texas to the Great Lakes and central Appalachians, said Alex Sosnowski via USA Today. Some places could get up to 6 inches of rain with repeated rounds of storms. The repeated rain may help drought areas and lower the risk of spring wildfires.

FAQs

Q1. Where is the winter storm and severe weather expected?

Severe storms, rain, and some snow are expected across parts of the central and northern United States, according to USA Today.

Q2. How much rain could fall this week?

Some areas may receive 1 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated spots getting up to 6 inches, said Alex Sosnowski of AccuWeather.