The central United States is bracing for a severe weather event that could be one of the worst in decades. This storm system is expected to bring a mix of dangerous conditions, including tornadoes and heavy rainfall, from Wednesday through Sunday.

    The weather system will kick off with strong winds and tornadoes on Wednesday. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph across 13 states, from Texas to Ohio, affecting more than 65 million people. The tornado threat is particularly high in Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, and northwest Missouri. There is a rare high risk for destructive storms in this area, which means there is a greater chance of strong, long-track tornadoes, large hail, and powerful winds.

    The high-risk area for tornadoes includes parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. This level of risk is issued less than 1% of the time, indicating a significantly higher likelihood of tornadoes compared to other days. The governor of Kentucky has already declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and safe, especially overnight.

    But the real danger comes from the rain. Historically high rainfall is expected to cause severe flooding from Wednesday through Sunday. Nearly 4 million people in Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee are under a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) flood watch. This means that the risk of flooding is extremely high in cities like Memphis, Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Union City.

    The flood threat will intensify over the next few days. On Thursday, the risk of excessive rainfall will be at its highest in the same areas. By Friday, the threat will extend further north, affecting regions from Dallas to St. Louis. The entire event is expected to drop between 10 to 15 inches of rain in the hardest-hit areas, with some places receiving up to 10 inches.

    The storm system will finally move east on Sunday, bringing rain to the Southeast. This weather event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared. It is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Severe Weather Alert: Tornadoes and Floods on the Way

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