As the country braces for another severe weather event, a massive storm is poised to bring some of the most extreme conditions we’ve seen this year.
Experts are predicting life-threatening tornadoes and potentially catastrophic floods in what could be the worst 24-hour period of the year for the U.S.
The Path of Destruction
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for more than 15 states, with heavy rainfall expected to affect millions of people from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast.
Areas in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, West Virginia, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas are all in the storm’s path.
The storm is forecast to bring more than a foot of rain in some areas, with some regions possibly seeing up to 18 inches of rain between Wednesday and Saturday.
AccuWeather has issued warnings about the significant potential for large hail and damaging winds, adding to the dangerous conditions.
A Flash Flooding Nightmare
The worst impacts from this storm are expected to hit places like Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana, starting Wednesday night.
Flash floods are a major concern, with AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, Jonathan Porter, emphasizing how quickly these dangerous situations could escalate into life-threatening emergencies.
The risk for historic flash floods is high, with some areas potentially seeing rainfall that exceeds the 500 to 1,000-year average for these types of events.
Tornadoes on the Horizon
In addition to the flooding risks, tornadoes are also a significant threat.
Over 10 states, from Texas to Michigan, are facing a moderate to high chance of deadly twisters.
Tornado watches were issued Wednesday morning for parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri.
As meteorologist William Clark pointed out, this storm could bring four to five months’ worth of rain to a 1,000-mile stretch of the country in just four days.
Tornadoes could develop quickly, and officials are urging residents to take shelter immediately.
The NWS has stressed the importance of seeking sturdy shelter, avoiding windows, and protecting yourself from flying debris.
A Devastating Follow-Up to Recent Storms
This current storm follows a tragic “mega storm” from March, which left over 40 people dead and dropped more than 70 tornadoes on communities in the South and Midwest.
However, the rainfall and flooding from this new storm could be even more devastating.
Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas are expected to see between one and two feet of rain by the weekend.
The storm’s intensity is amplified by a weather pattern that pulls moisture from the tropics, creating what’s known as an “atmospheric river.”
Ongoing Chaos in 2025
The first quarter of 2025 has already been marked by extreme weather.
From winter storms to tornado outbreaks and severe flooding, the country has faced continuous challenges.
In February, a “polar vortex collapse” brought heavy snow and landslides, while March saw another collapse that led to even more severe weather, including a deadly storm in mid-March that left entire communities without power.
Just last week, flooding in Texas claimed the lives of at least three people, and heavy rain continues to create treacherous conditions across the South.
With the forecast showing more rain this week, the risks for widespread flooding remain high, especially for areas stretching from Texas to Pennsylvania.
The Road Ahead
The storm isn’t expected to let up anytime soon. Thunderstorms will continue to cause havoc into Friday and Saturday, with strong winds gusting up to 70 mph.
By the weekend, more than 46 million people will be impacted by this extreme weather, with 13 million of them facing a high to extreme flood risk.
This storm marks another chapter in what has already been a chaotic year of weather events.
While the worst is still to come, it’s clear that this could be a historic event in terms of both rainfall and the potential for destruction.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and prepared as the storm moves through.