Mon Mar 31 04:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Devastating Storms Threaten 175 Million Across Central and Eastern US

**Washington, D.C. –** A powerful storm system fueled by unusually warm temperatures is poised to unleash damaging thunderstorms across the central and eastern United States, impacting nearly 175 million people this weekend and into Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) and Storm Prediction Center (SPC) are warning of significant threats including powerful winds, large hail, and tornadoes.

March has already seen an unusually high number of tornadoes, exceeding the total for the same period last year. While the weekend’s initial forecast isn’t as extreme as previous events, the potential for rapid intensification and widespread damage remains high, particularly for areas already impacted by severe weather two weeks ago.

The storm will begin to develop Saturday evening across Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa, bringing a chance of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail. However, the most significant threat emerges Sunday as a powerful cold front sweeps eastward. This front will clash with warm, moist air, creating explosive thunderstorm development.

Over 25 million people are under a high (level 3 out of 5) risk of severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with major cities like Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis directly in the path. An additional 45 million are under a moderate (level 2) risk.

The SPC warns of the potential for golf ball-sized hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes, some potentially strong (EF2 or higher) and long-tracked. The risk is heightened by the likelihood of many severe storms occurring after nightfall, as nighttime tornadoes are statistically more deadly. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are also possible.

The severe weather will continue into Monday morning, potentially extending from the Appalachians to Louisiana and Mississippi. While some storms may weaken during daylight hours, a renewed threat is expected in the afternoon as the system moves east. By Monday night, the storms could impact almost the entire East Coast, with over 100 million people under a level 2 risk, including major cities from New Orleans to Boston. The Northeast faces a greater wind threat, while areas south and along the Gulf Coast are at higher risk for all severe weather hazards, including tornadoes and hail.

This unusually active tornado season has already seen approximately 300 reported tornadoes in 2025, compared to 164 at the same point in 2024. The SPC is already eyeing another large area from Texas to the Midwest for potential severe weather on Wednesday. Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor weather forecasts closely and take necessary precautions.

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