A potent spring storm system is building across the central United States, setting the stage for several days of dangerous weather from the Plains to the Midwest. Strong winds are already impacting parts of the Northern Plains and Rockies, with some areas seeing powerful gusts that could intensify even further as the system strengthens. As of now, wind gusts are expected to reach 55 mph.

WIND

A lot of wind energy with this trough of low pressure, which will be the biggest impact over the next few days. Wind alerts cover quite a bit of real estate in Montana, where winds could gust as high as 90 mph in the highest elevations. Wednesday looks like the windiest day in the Upper Midwest.

SEVERE

As this storm moves east, it is expected to trigger multiple rounds of thunderstorms. A developing low-pressure system in southern Canada is helping push a cold front into the Plains, creating an environment for storms to form and repeatedly track over the same areas. This pattern raises concerns for both severe weather and heavy rainfall. 

Storms look to fire around the front and move into slightly colder temperatures north of it. The biggest concern right now will be large hail. The Storm Prediction Center is circling portions of Kansas with the highest threat for Wednesday. This outlook expands across Nebreaska, North Texas, and even northern Missouri come Thursday.

PRECIPITATION

The biggest threat will likely focus on portions of Kansas, Missouri, and surrounding states, where repeated downpours could lead to flooding issues. Rainfall totals are expected to reach a few inches in some areas, with locally higher amounts possible where storms repeatedly pass over the same locations. 

As this system sets up, there will still be cold air in the vicinity of this shot at rain. The warm air could be slow to build in, which would bring in a threat of freezing rain back to northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Right now, the threat appears limited since temperatures will gradually warm, but one worth watching.

These storms will bring the risk of damaging wind gusts and strong thunderstorms. With a steady supply of moisture and a slow-moving system, unsettled conditions are expected to linger through the week. This setup is typical for spring, when strong storm systems can bring a mix of high winds, severe storms, and flooding concerns.

Stay tuned to WN for more deails.