abcnews.com 1 day ago URGENCY: 7/10

Severe Weather Alert: 50 Million at Risk in the Plains

A severe weather outbreak is threatening 50 million Americans across the southern Plains. Discover the areas most at risk and what to expect in the coming days.

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Severe Weather Alert: 50 Million at Risk in the Plains

Severe Weather Threat Overview

A multi-day severe weather event is currently impacting the southern Plains, with storms expected to escalate through the weekend. Approximately 27 million people are under threat, particularly in southeastern Oklahoma and northern Texas, where tornadoes and damaging winds are likely.

Key risks include:

  • Tornadoes: Highest threat in southeastern Oklahoma and northern Texas.
  • Hail: Potential for hail larger than baseballs.
  • Damaging Winds: Strong gusts expected across multiple states.

As the storm system progresses, the threat will shift northeast into the Midwest by Monday, affecting cities like St. Louis and Chicago. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant as conditions can change rapidly, leading to severe weather including flash flooding and strong tornadoes.

What to Expect

The severe weather will continue into Tuesday, impacting parts of the South, including Memphis and Little Rock. With ongoing drought conditions in the Southeast, the risk of wildfires also remains a concern, particularly in Georgia where two fires are currently active.