Tornado watches are in place in the Midwest as meteorologists track thunderstorms capable of producing twisters. Watches cover counties in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky, with warnings issued for specific locales where the threat of a tornado is imminent. The National Weather Service predicts that the threat of thunderstorms will move northeastward, with the highest chance of tornadoes developing over Ohio and northern Kentucky.
The NWS warns of frequent lightning, high winds, and hail along a front extending into the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. There is an increased threat of tornadoes in the Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi valleys, with wind gusts potentially reaching over 200 miles per hour. The risk of hailstones over two inches in diameter exists in parts of the Ohio Valley. Severe thunderstorms with the potential for tornadoes and large hail were tracked in southwest Illinois, resulting in likely damage to trees, properties, and mobile homes.
Modeling suggests the greatest threat of tornadoes will shift northeastward in the coming day, with alerts for northern Kentucky, southeast Indiana, and parts of Ohio. Cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville have a 15 percent probability of being within 25 miles of a tornado, while Nashville, Birmingham, and Huntsville have a 10 percent probability. An area from the Florida panhandle to northern Ohio has a five percent chance of seeing a tornado. On average, the U.S. experiences around 1,200 tornadoes annually, with tornado season typically occurring in the spring.
In early December, Tennessee experienced at least 13 tornadoes that caused destruction and fatalities. Tornadoes are a common occurrence in the U.S., especially during the spring season. The Midwest is currently under a tornado watch as meteorologists monitor thunderstorms capable of producing twisters. Watches and warnings have been issued for specific counties in multiple states, with the highest tornado development potential predicted for Ohio and northern Kentucky.
The National Weather Service cautions about the threat of high winds, hail, and lightning in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys due to a developing front. The possibility of tornadoes of varying strengths, including winds over 200 miles per hour, exists in the region. Severe thunderstorms in Illinois have already caused damage, highlighting the risk of tornadoes and large hail. Models predict the tornado threat will move northeastward in the coming days, with certain areas at higher risk than others. The U.S. sees an average of 1,200 tornadoes annually, with spring being a common season for tornado activity.
