- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 16 May 2025 02:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Large parts of the US Midwest have been placed under a red alert as severe weather systems threaten to unleash tornadoes, damaging hail, and destructive winds over the coming days. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning of a big outbreak that will last at least through Tuesday, with several states under threat.
Tornado warnings were posted late Thursday in Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, and Blaine in Minnesota after rotating cloud conditions set off alarms. A tornado confirmed by The Weather Channel destroyed a barn in Minnesota, where emergency responses were initiated. Authorities have also warned of golf ball-sized hail and straight-line winds capable of widespread damage. These threats have placed the region from Minnesota through Wisconsin, northeast Illinois, northern Indiana, western Michigan, and northwest Ohio under a red zone alert.
Cities On Alert
Severe weather is expected across the Great Plains into the mid-Atlantic by the weekend. Friday, powerful storms may strike major metropolitan areas such as Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, and St. Louis. Wind gusts over 75 mph may cause power outages in southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and Kentucky. The NOAA's Storm Prediction Center issued a detailed forecast map revealing the vastness of the weather phenomenon, which could hit millions. Isolated severe thunderstorms will be moving eastward on Saturday, potentially affecting New York and reaching as far south as Houston. The storm system, fueled by unstable atmospheric conditions, could result in flash flooding, flight delays, and travel disruptions across multiple states.
Local Transport May Affect
The severe weather moving across the US Midwest is likely to severely impact local transport. Travel by road might be made dangerous due to flooding, uprooted trees, while visibility could be drastically reduced by heavy rain and hail. Some highways and smaller roads might temporarily be closed, particularly in areas that are issued a tornado warning. Air travel is also likely to be affected, with major airports such as those in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Indianapolis anticipating delays, cancellations, or diversions due to strong winds, lightning, and hail. Rail and metro services may experience interruptions as well.
Walmart stores throughout the Midwest are usually open; however, extremely adverse weather can cause temporary store and club closures or modified hours. While there are no widespread closures reported, individual stores may adjust operations based on local conditions. Other stores, including Walgreens and CVS, are also likely to change their opening hours or temporarily close due to extreme weather conditions.
