Get ready for a wild week of weather, folks! AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting a triple threat of severe weather for the central United States and the Gulf Coast.
First up, a round of severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep through the region on Monday. This system could bring tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding to areas from Texas all the way up to Illinois. Damaging wind gusts of up to 70 mph are also possible, so batten down the hatches and stay weather-aware.
READ: NHC: Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen Threatens Jamaica, Cuba, And Potentially Florida
As if that wasn’t enough, Election Day is shaping up to be a soggy one. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are in the forecast for the Gulf Coast and Mississippi Valley, with showers reaching as far north as the Great Lakes.
This could impact voter turnout and cause travel disruptions, so be sure to check the forecast before heading to the polls.
And just when you thought it was safe to go outside, a tropical storm is brewing in the Caribbean. This system is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves towards Jamaica and Cuba early this week, and AccuWeather experts say it could impact the Gulf Coast by the end of the week.
While the exact track is still uncertain, residents along the Gulf Coast should be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible coastal flooding.
READ: Tropical Depression Eighteen Forms, Hurricane Warning Issued
This week’s forecast is a reminder that we’re still in hurricane season, and severe weather can strike at any time.
Severe Weather Threat:
- Monday: A high risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding, exists from Texas through Illinois. Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible.
- Election Day: Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected across the Gulf Coast and Mississippi Valley, with showers extending into the Great Lakes region. This could impact voting in some areas.
Flooding Risk:
- Widespread Rainfall: Several inches of rain are expected from Texas to Iowa through Tuesday, with some areas potentially receiving up to 18 inches.
- Flash Flooding: The heavy rain could lead to flash flooding due to dry ground conditions from recent drought.
Tropical Threat:
- Developing Storm: A brewing storm in the Caribbean Sea is expected to intensify into a hurricane and potentially impact the Gulf Coast by the end of the week.
- Uncertain Track: The exact track of the storm remains uncertain, but it could bring damaging winds, flooding rain, and storm surge to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba before potentially reaching the U.S.
- Gulf Coast Impacts: AccuWeather experts are urging residents along the Gulf Coast to prepare for potential tropical storm impacts, including heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding.
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