Severe Storms to Strike Central and Eastern U.S. During May

• Storms to strike central US
• Risk of winds and flooding
• Rainfall to persist throughout the week

The first full week of May will begin with an unstable weather pattern that will bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and the risk of flooding to large areas of the central and eastern United States.

AccuWeather meteorologists have warned that extreme weather conditions will persist for several days, driven by a slow-moving storm system and the presence of abundant moisture.

From the south-central states to the Northeast, the daily risk of severe storms will be a constant during the start of the month.

While the rain could benefit drought-stricken areas, it will also bring hazards such as strong winds, hail, and urban flooding.

Eastern US States on Alert for Thunderstorms

The initial impact in the US will be felt over the weekend, with a higher chance of storms in mid-Atlantic states and cities ranging from Savannah, Georgia, to State College, Pennsylvania.

These areas are expected to experience wind gusts of up to 60 mph (96 km/h), along with heavy rain capable of triggering flash floods.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Warning for This Summer Due to Extreme Heat in the US.

According to AccuWeather’s StormMax™ forecast, the most intense wind gusts could reach 70 mph, posing a threat to weak structures and trees.

The threat is compounded by the slow movement of the main storm system, centered in the Ohio Valley, which has become detached from the main jet stream flow.

Storms to Continue Strongly Into the Start of the Week

This stagnation has allowed a continuous stream of moisture to flow into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, increasing rainfall intensity.

The thunderstorms accompanying this rain could be strong or severe, depending on the region and the day-to-day atmospheric evolution.

Meteorologists point out that, in addition to the potential for hail and damaging winds, localized flooding will be the main concern in the coming days.

The storm pattern will not end with the weekend. At the start of the new week, another storm system will take center stage in central US.

Texas and the Gulf Face Heightened Risks of Severe Weather

This new storm, arriving from the West Coast, will pull in large amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, intensifying the threat of severe weather in the US.

Rainfall could once again reach heavy rates, and thunderstorms may develop from Texas to the central Gulf Coast.

Already saturated soils across much of these areas heighten the risk of flash floods and river overflows.

In West Texas, conditions could worsen further, with hailstones the size of tennis balls expected on Monday night.

Sections of Interstate Highways 10 and 20 may become hazardous due to the storms, with reduced visibility and crosswinds affecting vehicle stability.

The risk of isolated tornadoes in Texas will also increase as the night progresses, prompting authorities to issue precautionary alerts.

By Tuesday, the storm pattern will stretch across a wide swath including central and eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Although wind and hail will remain threats, the main concern will shift to urban and rural flooding.

Rainfall to Persist Throughout the Week

The heaviest rains could reach rates of one to two inches per hour, overwhelming drainage systems and creating chaotic conditions in a short amount of time.

As the week progresses, additional rounds of storms are expected to continue affecting the central and southeastern parts of the country.

Given this outlook, experts advise the public to stay informed through local weather alerts and avoid traveling through flood-prone areas.

Spring is surging forward with force, and extreme weather appears to be giving no respite in the United States, AccuWeather reported.