Residents across the central and eastern United States are advised to exercise extreme caution as multiple powerful thunderstorms are forecast to occur from Tuesday (local time) through Wednesday. These storms have the potential to bring strong tornadoes, destructive straight-line winds, and hail the size of tennis balls, raising concerns about widespread damage.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), tornadoes were already reported in Nebraska and Oklahoma on Monday, with tornado warnings issued overnight for parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. While the exact scale of damage is still being assessed, significant property damage and some casualties have been reported in certain areas.

Brian Smith, a lead forecaster at the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), warned, "The tornado threat remains notable for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a particularly high likelihood of powerful tornadoes in southern Kentucky, western and central Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and parts of Alabama."

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a 'Level 3 Risk' for these regions, which is the third highest out of five levels. This signifies a high probability of severe weather phenomena and indicates the need for thorough preparation. A more widespread area, encompassing northeastern Louisiana to Illinois, western Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and northern Mississippi, has been placed under a 'Level 2 Risk'.

In the past, the central and eastern U.S. have frequently experienced significant damage from severe weather. Notably, in May 2024, tornadoes sweeping through the south-central region caused extensive damage, including at least 13 fatalities and power outages for hundreds of thousands of households. Furthermore, in March 2025, unusual strong winds and wildfires affected areas including Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, leading to evacuation orders in some regions.

Experts analyze that the current storm is likely to be caused by a combination of rising temperatures, an unstable atmospheric state, and a large amount of moisture flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico. These meteorological conditions are favorable for the formation of powerful thunderstorms and tornadoes, and flash floods and strong wind damage are anticipated as a result.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to continuously monitor the latest forecasts from the weather service, prepare evacuation plans in advance, and take extra precautions. It is also recommended to avoid outdoor activities and remain in safe indoor locations. Measures to protect property, such as homes and vehicles, are also essential.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]