Janice R. Andrews
More than 30 million Americans face severe weather warnings as an unseasonable storm system approaches the central United States, potentially disrupting Halloween celebrations. The system brings risks of damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes from Oklahoma to Iowa.
The weather pattern, more typical of spring than fall, combines warm air with an advancing cold front. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center forecasts escalating threats:
- Tuesday: Level 1 risk across Oklahoma, Kansas, and parts of Iowa
- Wednesday: Level 3 risk for Kansas City, North Texas, and Missouri Ozarks
- Thursday: Level 1 risk along Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley
“This is a fall front, but the severe weather placement is more like what we would see in spring,” explains FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin.
Additional hazards include Fire Weather Warnings in drought-affected Kansas and Oklahoma. By Halloween night, the front will shift eastward, bringing rain and thunderstorms to Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis.
Weather officials advise residents to:
- Monitor local forecasts
- Keep weather alerts active
- Be prepared to adjust Halloween plans
- Exercise caution with outdoor activities
While the rain offers welcome relief to drought-stricken areas, officials emphasize the importance of staying weather-aware during Halloween celebrations.
