Readywise News
Tornadoes, large hail threaten millions in Midwest
Written by Ben Slaughter
A new round of severe weather is brewing across the central U.S., with the potential to impact millions from the Plains to the Midwest over the next several days. According to the FOX Forecast Center, confidence is growing around a volatile storm pattern that begins midweek and stretches into early next week.
The setup starts with an upper-level system moving out of the western U.S. and into the central Plains by Wednesday. This disturbance is expected to spark a strong surface low-pressure system over the central and northern Plains, triggering widespread thunderstorms through the latter half of the week.
Why Is This Happening?
Early storm activity is expected to ignite near the Kansas-Nebraska border and extend northward into the Dakotas, where atmospheric instability will be most intense on Wednesday.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed over 1.4 million residents under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms on Wednesday. Cities like Grand Island and Kearney in Nebraska, Sioux City in Iowa, Sioux Falls in South Dakota, and Bismarck in North Dakota are all included in the threat zone. Forecasters warn that any storms that form could bring large hail — potentially larger than two inches in diameter — damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
By Thursday, the system expands eastward, threatening major Midwest cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. The atmospheric “cap” expected early in the day will break down by afternoon, opening the door for severe thunderstorm development across central and southern Minnesota.
Thursday’s setup also brings a Level 3 out of 5 severe threat to over 16 million people across parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, including Chicago, Naperville, Milwaukee, Madison, and Grand Rapids. The concern here is the development of long-lived supercells, particularly where wind shear — the change in wind speed and direction with height — is most pronounced. This increases the risk for strong tornadoes in areas like northern Indiana, southwestern Michigan, and southwestern Wisconsin.
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What’s Happening & Why It Matters
As we move into the weekend, the risk continues to spread. By Friday, over 18 million people from St. Louis to Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Memphis, and Nashville face a Level 2 risk of severe weather. The main hazards include damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes.
Looking ahead, another low-pressure system is expected to form near the Rockies by Sunday, injecting more storm energy into the southern Plains. This will interact with a lifting warm front and a dryline boundary, setting off more storms into Sunday night. By Monday, a broader severe weather threat could emerge across the central Plains, potentially extending into the Ohio Valley by Tuesday. Forecasters are closely monitoring how the system evolves, with more updates expected in the days ahead.
Preparedness Is Peace of Mind
When severe weather strikes, there's often little time to react. Storms like these can knock out power, cut off access to supplies, and leave families vulnerable. That’s why ReadyWise encourages you to be proactive — not reactive.
Whether it’s a short-term outage or longer disruptions, having emergency food on hand gives you one less thing to worry about. Our meals are designed to last, store easily, and provide peace of mind in any crisis. Stay weather-aware — and stay prepared.
How ReadyWise Helps You Stay Prepared
At ReadyWise, we advocate for preparedness long before it makes headlines. Our emergency food solutions are designed to give individuals and families peace of mind in times of uncertainty. Whether you’re just starting to build your emergency kit or looking to expand your long-term food storage, we provide high-quality, long-lasting meals that are easy to store and prepare.
Preparing for the Future:
Preparedness is a personal responsibility. Whether you're considering emergency food storage, shelter supplies, or other vital resources, taking the time now to plan for the worst-case scenario will provide you with the peace of mind to face whatever challenges the future may bring.
In a world where the risks are growing, it’s never too late to start preparing. Take proactive steps today to ensure your family’s safety and resilience in the face of uncertainty. The sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever lies ahead.
Food Storage:
Having a reliable food supply is critical during emergencies. That's why we offer emergency food buckets that provide long-lasting, nutritious meals requiring only water to prepare. With up to a 25-year shelf life, our food ensures you're prepared for the long haul, no matter what comes your way. We take pride in offering great variety in our meal options, so you're not just surviving but eating well. Our meals are easy to prepare, making them an essential part of any emergency plan. Plus, with affordable options for every family, we're here to make sure you’re always ready.
Water Supply: Access to clean water is essential. Consider storing bottled water and investing in water filtration systems to ensure you have a safe drinking water supply. We offer various water storage and filtration products to help you stay prepared. Access to clean water is non-negotiable in any emergency. We understand that, which is why we offer a range of water storage and filtration products to help you stay prepared. Whether you're storing water for the long term or need a portable filtration system for when you're on the move, our solutions are built for reliability and ease of use.
Safety and Shelter:
Your safety is our priority, which is why we emphasize the importance of basic safety measures like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency blankets in your home. If evacuation becomes necessary, having a plan and a grab and go-bag ready with essential items like clothing, toiletries, and important documents is crucial. We're here to support you in creating a safe and secure environment for your family, no matter what the situation.
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What Are People Saying?
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Are You Ready?
Is your family prepared for the next unplanned emergency? Are you ready for your next outdoor adventure? Do you have a way to fix up a quick dinner after your busy day?
ReadyWise provides you with all the necessary long-term food storage and freeze-dried food required for any situation.
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