Stormy Easter Weekend on Tap for Large Swath of Central U.S.

The central U.S. is preparing for a stretch of stormy weather that is going to threaten outdoor plans for the Easter holiday weekend. Forecasters have been watching this development for days in anticipation of potential severe weather. Here is the most updated forecast.

About a Dozen States Expecting Stormy Weather Throughout the Easter Weekend

A rash of severe storms that will raise the threat of tornadoes will take aim at about a dozen states through the Easter holiday. The strongest storm cells will be capable of producing locally damaging winds and large hail in addition to the chance of twisters.

The primary impact zone of these storms will stretch from Texas and up into the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes. Some parts of this region may see multiple days of severe weather, making it difficult to get outside for Easter egg hunts, picnics, and outdoor church services.

The storms are the result of a building area of high pressure that has set up near Florida. The zone of high pressure is clashing with colder air located to the northwest. Storms will form between the two competing atmospheric elements as the cooler air stalls over the central U.S.

The stretch of severe weather kicked off on Thursday night across parts of Nebraska and over into Iowa and the southeastern corner of Minnesota. After a brief break early Friday, the atmosphere will reload during the afternoon hours. Storms are forecast to come to life along a swath of about 1,200 miles from west-central portions of Texas and all the way into the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Friday's possible effects include hail as big as baseballs, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes. Cities such as Oklahoma City are in the line of fire for the Friday activity. This area is forecast to see the storms intensify in the overnight hours Friday and into Saturday. It will be an increasingly windy day with speeds hitting 20 to 30 mph out of the south-southwest. Temperatures will remain mild ahead of the cold front in the capital city with a forecast high of about 73 degrees.

Saturday's activity is predicted to once again expand to the north from central Texas. However, the northern boundary of this day's action will be more limited, likely cutting off in the Ohio Valley. Once again, Oklahoma City will be in the bullseye for the stormy conditions. The arrival of the cold front will bring the highs down into the upper 50s. It will be especially wet overnight with 1 to 2 inches expected.

Moving to the northeast, Fayetteville, Arkansas, will also want to prepare for a wet and stormy weekend. The college town is forecast to see rain showers during the morning Saturday evolve into a steadier stream of moisture by the afternoon. Rainfall of about a half of an inch is in the forecast at this time. The threat of thunderstorms in Fayetteville will be the highest on Saturday evening and into Sunday.

The weekend forecast for this part of Arkansas is calling for highs that hold steady in the mid 60s with lows that slip into the upper 50s. Winds will increase on Sunday, hitting speeds of 20 to 30 mph from the south.

Who Should Prepare for Inclement Conditions on Easter Sunday

The line of storms on Easter Sunday will track farther to the east, bringing a number of major metropolitan areas into the fold. A widespread area of storm is predicted to ignite to bring the holiday weekend to a close, likely becoming more severe than the activity from the preceding days.

Prior to the primary line of storms becoming more organized, it is possible that more isolated events will pop up in northeastern Texas and over into eastern Kansas and Missouri. Forecasters are warning that these storm cells could pack damaging hail and tornadoes.

Kansas City is one area that will want to be mindful of the possibility of severe weather on the holiday. The metro area that straddles the border of Kansas and Missouri is forecast to see a day of heavy rain with accumulations totaling at least an inch. It will be a breezy and cool day with winds out of the south at 10 to 20 mph. Highs will struggle to crack the 60-degree mark before falling into the mid 40s overnight.

While Little Rock will dodge the bulk of the storms on Friday and Saturday, this part of the region will see a higher chance of rain and severe weather by the end of the day Sunday. The largest metro area in Arkansas is expecting storms to develop in the afternoon and linger into the evening hours. It will be a warm and gusty day with highs in the low 80s and winds whipping around from the south at 15 to 25 mph.

There will also be an enhanced risk of flash flooding that could develop as the rain falls across the Mississippi River valley. This is a concern that forecasters have been monitoring for days, as this region has been under the gun for repeated downpours in recent weeks.

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