Millions Brace For Dangerous, Potentially Damaging Storms Friday
Dangerous, potentially damaging thunderstorms threaten over 20 million residents Friday across the Midwest and northeast. Some storms have the potential to be damaging with severe wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes Friday into early Saturday.
Severe storms with damaging winds & a few tornadoes possible Friday aft'n and evening. Warmth ends Saturday. #INwx pic.twitter.com/JLxoVCisgI
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) February 23, 2017
This is all part of a larger storm system responsible for bringing blizzard conditions to the nation’s heartland. Meanwhile, dozens of high temperature records were shattered Thursday on the storms warm side. Many of the same cities which broke record highs Thursday may break records again Friday before a potent cold front slices through the region.
The cold front will trigger a line of strong to severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon and night. Cities most at risk include Detroit, Fort Wayne, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Louisville where an “enhanced risk” of severe weather exist. This means these cities have a 30% chance of observing severe weather within 25 miles.
11:51pm CST #SPC Day1 Outlook Enhanced Risk: across parts of southern lower mich… https://t.co/GtEvHPMjG6 pic.twitter.com/j0550NvTgP
— NWS SPC (@NWSSPC) February 24, 2017
Some of these storms have the potential to cause property damage, trigger power outages and cause travel disruptions.
Storms will continue to push eastward through the overnight into parts of the northeast. There is a “marginal risk” for severe thunderstorms there on Saturday– damaging winds and large hail will be the primary concern.