Stormy Sunday: Midwest and South Braced for Severe Weather

The Midwest and South were on high alert for severe weather on Sunday. A massive storm system had already caused significant damage over the weekend, with over 50 reports of damaging winds and hail across the Plains. Oklahoma saw hailstones as large as 3 inches in Amber. The National Weather Service issued warnings for an enhanced risk of severe weather in the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys. This included major cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, and Cleveland. The forecast was grim. Large hail, strong winds, and potential tornadoes were expected. The National Weather Service warned of heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding as storms intensified. The severe weather was set to start in the early afternoon and last well into the night. Videos from Texas showed pea-sized hail falling in Liberty Hill. The storm system was expected to move east on Monday, affecting 68 million people in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, D. C. , and New Orleans were in the path of the strongest storms. Damaging winds and a few tornadoes were possible through the afternoon and evening. Meanwhile, the northern side of the storm system brought winter weather to the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and New England. Winter alerts were in effect for 9 million people, including Green Bay, Marquette, Burlington, and Portland. Snowfall totals reached 10 inches in some areas, with more snow and ice expected through Sunday night. Power outages and tree damage were likely. In the West, 5 million people from the coast to the Rocky Mountains were under alerts due to strong winds. Gusts ranging from 25 to 60 mph were expected, fueling fire concerns, especially in Colorado, New Mexico, and West Texas. High fire danger lingered into the start of the workweek, with 2 million people under alerts in areas like El Paso. The storm system was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather. While the Midwest and South braced for severe thunderstorms and hail, the North dealt with heavy snow and ice. The West faced strong winds and fire dangers. It was a week of contrasting weather challenges across the country.