Millions of people across the U.S. are at risk from thunderstorms, large hail and some tornadoes this Easter weekend, according to meteorologists.
The severe threat of a powerful spring weather system could disrupt plans across much of the central U.S. from Friday through Sunday evening, affecting areas from Texas all the way to Michigan.
Why It Matters
The active weather period increases the likelihood of travel delays as millions meet up with family and friends to celebrate the Easter holidays.
This forecast map from AccuWeather shows the areas that could face storms on Friday. This forecast map from AccuWeather shows the areas that could face storms on Friday. AccuWeather
What To Know
AccuWeather meteorologists forecast multiple waves of thunderstorms from April 18 through April 20, with each day’s threat zone stretching more than 1,000 miles.
According to forecast maps, cities including Chicago, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Dallas and Springfield, Missouri, are all within the risk zone.
“The most dangerous storms will focus from central Texas and northwestern Louisiana through eastern Kansas, Missouri and part of western Illinois” on Sunday, AccuWeather reported.
The network noted that while most morning worship services will proceed safely, the storms will reach their peak in the afternoon and evening.
Multiple waves of storms also mean that the risk for flooding will increase as the weekend progresses, AccuWeather meteorologists said.
Rainfall totals of two to four inches are expected across central Texas to southern Illinois, but some parts may receive up to eight inches.
A flood risk exists across regions already saturated from previous storms earlier in April.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys told Newsweek that the states set to be impacted on Friday include west-central Texas, eastern Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
He added that on Saturday, central Texas, southern and eastern Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, western Tennessee, and Kentucky could be affected.
While on Sunday, he noted that southern Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, northeast Texas, northern Louisiana, western Tennessee, and western Kentucky will be hit hardest.
Roys said potential hazards may include large hail, localized damaging wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour, and even isolated tornados.
“Overall travel will be delayed at times with a minor bump in airline delays,” said Roys. “Widespread cancelations or road closures are not expected unless they are already ongoing due to flooding along the lower Mississippi Valley.”
The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth, Texas, said on X, formerly Twitter: “A pattern change will bring multiple chances for showers and thunderstorms Friday and through the holiday weekend with a daily threat for strong or severe storms. Additionally there is an increasing concern for locally heavy rain and minor flooding.”
What Happens Next
Forecasts are subject to change, and the National Weather Service will issue regular updates and alerts across Easter weekend should inclement weather pose a hazard.
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