Severe Thunderstorms Bring 60 mph Winds and Flash Flooding to Midwest and Alabama
The National Weather Service has issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings across the central and southeastern United States early this morning, with storms producing damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall that has already triggered flash flooding in parts of Illinois.
Active Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Minnesota and Alabama
A severe thunderstorm capable of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail was located over Lutsen, Minnesota, at 551 AM CDT and moving southeast at 55 mph. [1] This storm prompted a warning for west central Cook County and eastern Lake County until 615 AM CDT. [1] A separate severe thunderstorm producing 60 mph wind gusts was located 8 miles east of Tremont, Alabama, at 535 AM CDT and moving south at 20 mph. [4] That warning covered northwestern Marion County until 615 AM CDT. [4] Another severe thunderstorm with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail was near Lynn, Alabama, at 530 AM CDT moving south at 20 mph. [5] The warning for this storm placed northwestern Walker County, southeastern Marion County, southwestern Winston County and northern Fayette County under alert until 615 AM CDT. [5]
Flash Flooding Underway in Southern Illinois
Between 4 and 7 inches of rain have fallen since midnight in the Effingham, Illinois, area, with an additional inch possible. [2] Thunderstorms continued near the Jasper County border and led to a flash flood warning. [2] A flash flood warning remains in effect for southern Clay County, Illinois, until 730 AM CDT after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell. [3] New storms are forming in the area with up to 2 more inches possible. [3] The warnings address flash flooding caused by thunderstorms across these counties. [2][3]
Radar-Indicated Hazards and Timelines
The National Weather Service in Duluth issued the Minnesota warning based on radar indications at 551 AM CDT. [1] The Birmingham office issued the Alabama warnings using radar indications at 535 AM CDT and 530 AM CDT. [4][5] The Lincoln office extended the Clay County flash flood warning after radar showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain at 547 AM CDT. [3] The Effingham area warning followed radar observations of thunderstorms at 549 AM CDT. [2] All severe thunderstorm warnings are set to expire at 615 AM CDT except the Clay County flash flood warning, which continues until 730 AM CDT. [1][3][4][5]
Locations at Immediate Risk
West central Cook County and eastern Lake County in northeastern Minnesota face the severe thunderstorm moving southeast at 55 mph. [1] Northwestern Marion County in northwestern Alabama is under warning for the storm moving south at 20 mph. [4] Locations impacted in that county include Hamilton, Weston, Shottsville, and Bexar. [4] Northwestern Walker County, southeastern Marion County, southwestern Winston County and northern Fayette County in Alabama are covered by the warning for the storm near Lynn. [5] Southern Clay County and the Effingham area in south central Illinois remain under flash flood warnings. [2][3]
Potential Impacts on Vehicles, Property and Travel
Hail damage to vehicles is expected from the Minnesota storm. [1] Wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees is anticipated from the Alabama storms. [4] Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas is possible in the Illinois counties. [2][3] The warnings note that additional rainfall could worsen conditions in low-lying areas. [2][3]
What to watch next: The severe thunderstorm warnings across Minnesota and Alabama are scheduled to expire at 615 AM CDT while the Clay County flash flood warning continues until 730 AM CDT.
