Early week storm to blast Midwest with strong winds, soaking rain

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

November 04, 2018, 4:50:10 PM EST

After rain and snow closed out the weekend, another potent storm is on track to slam into the midwestern U.S. beginning on Monday night.

This system is expected to dive out of the Rockies and through the Plains on Monday, sparking severe weather in the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys as it strengthens late Monday.

According to AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist Elizabeth Schenk, severe storms that develop on Monday afternoon and night could contain "widespread damaging winds to 80 mph, as well as embedded tornadoes."

These storms could impact areas as far north as Indianapolis, Columbus and Charleston, West Virginia. Anybody in this region on Monday night should keep a weather radio or a charged phone nearby with severe weather alerts enabled. 

Whether at home or on the road when an alert is issued, everyone should seek proper shelter immediately.

Farther north, rain and gusty winds will pick up overnight Monday into Tuesday from Minnesota to Ohio.

Early on Tuesday, heavy downpours could slow the morning commute and those heading to the polls throughout Michigan, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

While the system will be moving too quickly for widespread flooding to become a threat, localized flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas can occur.

Motorists should slow down and turn on their headlights in heavy rain and low visibility conditions, and should keep a close eye out for flooding or debris in roadways.

The worst of the rain will then taper off across the Midwest on Tuesday afternoon.

"However, gusty winds will persist much longer," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski. "The strongest winds and greatest concerns for power outages and tree damage is across the eastern Great Lakes Tuesday into Tuesday night."

There can be frequent gusts between 40 and 50 mph from Detroit to Cleveland to Buffalo, New York, and Toronto, Canada. Immediately downwind of the lakes, gusts can even reach 60 mph.

Much like Saturday's event in New England, this could lead to widespread instances of downed trees, power outages, property damage and travel delays.

Outdoor furniture and decorations should be moved inside or secured by Monday afternoon.

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Downed trees and powerlines can lead to power outages and block roadways, making driving hazardous.

Gusty winds will not be confined to the eastern Great Lakes on Election Day. There can be windy conditions back to the upper Mississippi Valley. Motorists may feel the gusty winds tug on their vehicles around the Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin, areas.

Slowed travel in the way of airline and train delays can also ensue, due to both the rain and gusty winds.

A separate zone of blustery winds will whip through the Dakotas as snow drops southward.

Waves of progressively colder air will plunge into the Midwest in the wake of this storm for the second half of the week.

After staying in the 40s and even 50s F during the first half of the week, overnight temperatures will plummet into the 20s and 30s beginning on Wednesday night.

The waves of cold could spell opportunities for snow in the nation's midsection late this week and into early the following week.

Farther south, another severe weather outbreak could be in the works if a potent storm unfolds late this week.