Storms, Fire, and Snow: A Weekend of Extreme Weather

The Midwest and South are gearing up for a wild ride this weekend. Severe storms are expected to sweep through the region, bringing winds that could gust up to 90 mph and hail the size of baseballs. The National Weather Service has issued a "moderate risk" warning for areas including St. Louis, Springfield, Illinois, and parts of Iowa, Tennessee, and Kentucky. But the stormy weather won't stop there. Other states from Louisiana to Ohio and Wisconsin are also in the line of fire. The storm's peak is expected to hit the lower and mid-Missouri Valley, the Mississippi Valley, and the lower Ohio Valley late Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Tornadoes, widespread damaging winds, and large hail are all on the menu. Louisiana, including New Orleans, will also face an increased risk of severe storms on Saturday, with tornadoes possible. The weather service has already issued a threat level of three and four — or "enhanced" and "moderate" — out of five levels used by forecasters, which is unusual this far in advance. While the Midwest and South brace for storms, Texas and other parts of the Great Plains are facing a different kind of danger. Extreme wildfire conditions are expected to last through the weekend. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed additional state resources to respond to the "extremely critical wildfire danger. " Dry conditions, wind gusts, and low humidity are all contributing to the heightened risk. Areas including Lubbock and Wichita Falls in Texas, as well as Oklahoma City, are under an extreme risk of wildfires. In the West, a winter storm has been dumping snow on the Sierra Nevada in California. Tahoe City, on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, received 17½ inches of snow by 10 a. m. Thursday. The snow is expected to take a break Thursday, but another storm will hit the Sierra on Friday and into Friday night. In the Los Angeles area, a tornado hit the city of Pico Rivera on Thursday morning. The tornado, with maximum winds of 85 mph, caused some roof damage and uprooted trees. Some tree branches landed on cars and roofs, adding to the chaos. The weather service has warned of "potentially historic fire-weather conditions" across the southern Great Plains. This is a critical situation, and residents are encouraged to make an emergency plan and heed the guidance of local officials. The weather service has also warned of a severe weather outbreak in the Midwest and South, with tornadoes, widespread damaging winds, and large hail all possible. This is a situation that requires vigilance and preparedness.