Severe storms producing tornadoes, hail possible this weekend from Texas to Ohio
The Midwest and South could see severe weather beginning Friday.
Tornadoes, hail and flash flooding could slam areas from Ohio to Texas this weekend as a cold front forms across the Midwest and South.
The cold front, which is making its way across a very warm, soupy atmosphere, could create strong storms bringing large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash flooding.
Beginning Friday night, a line of strong storms may develop from Oklahoma to Missouri, passing through Kansas. After 10 p.m. CST, this line of storms is expected to sweep east and grow in strength on Saturday, right along the cold front.
On Saturday, the severe weather threat -- which extends from Ohio to Texas -- is expected to begin around 8 am. local time and will continue through the afternoon as the system moves east.
These areas at risk for powerful storms -- including St. Louis, Dallas and Nashville, Tennessee -- have seen a significant increase in drought over the last two months, but could see 1 to 2 inches of rain this weekend. However, some of these areas may experience excessive rainfall at an accelerated rate, which could lead to instances of flash flooding.
The rain will reach Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and western New York on Sunday. While the severe weather threat is expected to be low by the time it reaches these areas, a few storms may still bring strong winds and large hail.
Rain will reach the Northeast on Sunday night and continue into Monday, bringing a rainy start to the work and school week for these areas.