Central US Faces Gusty Winds Heavy Rain and Storm Threats Through Wednesday

A strengthening storm system over the central United States will drive the main weather story through Wednesday, bringing gusty winds, locally heavy rain, and thunderstorms from the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. People in these areas should prepare for disrupted travel and outdoor plans as the system gains strength and shifts eastward over the next couple of days.

Warm moist air ahead of a strong cold front will fuel severe thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight across the central and southern Plains. The greatest risk centers over south-central Kansas and north-central Oklahoma, where damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible. Heavy rain with these storms also raises the chance of isolated to scattered flash flooding where storms repeatedly move over the same spots.

As the low pressure center tracks northeast into the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, a cool steady rain will continue through Wednesday. Gusty winds will accompany the rain, making travel slower and more challenging across these areas into midweek.

On Tuesday the focus for severe weather and heavy rainfall shifts eastward along and ahead of the cold front into the Middle and Lower Mississippi Valley. Storms and heavy rain will continue to pose flooding risks and travel delays as the system moves through.

Rain and storms push into the Ohio Valley and Mid-South heading into Wednesday as the cold front keeps marching east. Residents should watch for wet roads and possible brief strong storms that could affect evening and morning commutes.

Heavy rainfall continues along the east coast of Florida through this evening, focused on central and southern portions. Additional rain will only worsen ongoing flooding problems in some areas, especially between Melbourne and Port St. Lucie where 5 to 15 inches have already fallen.

A large high pressure system will keep much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic dry and mild through midweek. Outdoor plans and travel should face little weather interference across these regions.

After a couple of very wet and stormy days across the Southwest and Intermountain West, much of the western United States will dry out through Wednesday. Conditions will improve for travel and outdoor activities as the moisture moves out.