The Ohio Valley And High Plains Become Stormy Today
An area of low pressure riding along a cold front over the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys will trigger thunderstorms today, some which may be severe. A separate low pressure system developing over Montana will also lead to the potential for severe thunderstorms over the northern High Plains.
Drier air to the north of the Ohio River will clash with very warm and muggy air to its south. Heating of the day will add even more fuel causing thunderstorms to become numerous and strengthen. Strong winds high up in the atmosphere associated with the jet stream will allow energy to transfer close to the surface in the strongest thunderstorms, causing gusty, damaging winds.
Meanwhile, a separate disturbance will emerge from the Rockies and cause thunderstorms to erupt over the northern High Plains. Cold air high up in the atmosphere will cause a very unstable setup and will cause potential for large hail. Because this system is moving quickly, strong winds could mix down to the surface in the thunderstorms and even a tornado can't be ruled out.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for both southern Illinois and Missouri, extreme northeast Oklahoma, a sliver of southeast Kansas, southwest Indiana and much of western Kentucky. Cities within this risk area include Evansville Ind., Owensboro, Ky., Louisville, Ky. and Springfield, Mo. A separate Slight Risk area is found over a large portion of eastern and central Montana, northeastern Wyoming and extreme western South Dakota. Cities in this area include Billings, Mont. and Rapid City, S.D.
Heavy rain and flooding will also be an issue with storms today. Flood Watches are currently in effect from the Central Plains and Mississippi Valley to parts of the Ohio Valley. As much as 2 to 4, locally 6 inches of rain is likely to fall over the next couple of days.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect for much of central and southern Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be issued. A "watch" means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur, and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A "warning" means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"