Severe Storms Return to Midwest, South Early This Week

Brian Donegan
Published: March 5,2017
The possibility for severe thunderstorms returns to the Midwest and South later Monday into Tuesday with damaging winds being the primary threat, though large hail and a few tornadoes may also occur. It is important to keep in mind, however, we do not expect a repeat of last week's tornado outbreak in those regions.
(MORE: Tornadoes in March: The Start of Spring's Notorious Reputation)
This severe weather setup involves a cold front sweeping across our nation's midsection, which will act as a triggering mechanism for thunderstorm initiation by late Monday afternoon or evening. A squall line of storms is expected to form along the cold front, which is a good indicator that damaging straight-line wind gusts will be the main concern.

Forecast Timing, Details

Below are our current expectations of timing and details for the early-week severe weather threat in the Midwest and South. Be sure to check back frequently to weather.com for updates.
(MORE: March Weather: 5 Reasons It Frustrates You)
Monday

• Severe storms will be possible late in the day from eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas and northeast Oklahoma into southern Minnesota, far western Wisconsin, much of Iowa, central, western Missouri and northwestern Arkansas.
• Damaging straight-line wind gusts are the main threat, though large hail and a few tornadoes are also a possibility.
• CITIES: Kansas City | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Omaha, Nebraska

Monday's Thunderstorm Forecast

Monday Night

• The threat of severe storms exists through the overnight from eastern Iowa, much of Missouri, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma into western Wisconsin and western Illinois.
• Damaging straight-line wind gusts remain the primary threat, but large hail and a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
• CITIES: St. Louis | Little Rock, Arkansas | Peoria, Illinois

(MORE: Nighttime Tornadoes More Than Twice as Likely to Be Deadly)

Monday Night's Thunderstorm Forecast

Tuesday

• The area which may see severe storms shifts farther south into parts of east Texas, Louisiana, southern Arkansas, Mississippi, far southwestern Tennessee and far western Alabama.
• The main threat is damaging straight-line wind gusts, although large hail and a few tornadoes are still possible.
• CITIES: Jackson, Mississippi | Shreveport, Louisiana | Memphis

Tuesday's Thunderstorm Forecast

MORE: Midwest Tornado Outbreak, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2017

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