Tornadoes.Thunderstorms.Floods.Wind.Hail.Wildfires. Crazytemperature changes.
Hello spring!
Sure, the warmer weather sounds nice. But with the rising temperatures come a wide range of dangers − many of them surprising or underestimated.
"Spring is one of the most volatile seasons across the United States because it is a true transitional period," said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham in an e-mail to USA TODAY.
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The transition from cold air to warm air means that spring often produces uneven bad weather — storms, tornadoes and floods that can devastate localized areas. Here's what to know and how to stay safe.
Why is spring so volatile?
"During spring, lingering cold air from winter frequently clashes with strengthening warmth and moisture surging northward from the Gulf," he said. "At the same time, the jet stream often remains active and can dip far south, creating strong wind shear and powerful storm systems."
"That combination of temperature contrasts, moisture and atmospheric energy makes spring the peak season for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail and damaging wind gusts," Buckingham said.
"It's also a time when slow-moving storm systems can trigger significant flooding, especially in the Midwest and along major river basins."
Flood risks are often overlooked
Spring flood risks are easy to miss — heavy rain falling on saturated ground or melting snowpack can escalate into flash flooding in a matter of hours, the National Weather Service warns.
Waterlogged soil from snowmelt and early season downpours mean flash flooding can happen fast, even from storms that don't look all that bad on weather radar, according to the weather service. Cities can be particularly vulnerable because pavement prevents water from soaking in.
In the Southeast, although the region is well‑known for tornadoes, flooding is often the bigger killer. Slow‑moving thunderstorms can dump large amounts of rainfall over the same area repeatedly, overwhelming creeks, rivers, and drainage systems.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), just a few inches of fast‑moving water can sweep away vehicles, making flooded roads especially deadly.
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On the West Coast, spring storms often arrive on already‑sodden ground. That raises the risk of mudslides and debris flows, especially near burn scars from past wildfires. Even moderate rainfall can trigger slope failures.
Nocturnal tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
What surprises many people isn't just tornadoes — but tornadoes that hit after dark. Nighttime events are particularly dangerous because people are asleep and tornado warnings might not be received in time, according to the weather service.
"Many tornadoes occur at night in the spring, making them especially dangerous because people are sleeping and visibility is low," Buckingham said.
In addition, one thing people often underestimate about spring weather is how quickly conditions can change, Buckingham told USA TODAY. A warm, sunny afternoon can turn into a widespread severe weather threat by evening. The weather service warns that even experienced residents can underestimate how quickly conditions can turn life‑threatening.
Wildfires and dust storms
Many people associate wildfire season with summer, but spring can be just as dangerous, according to NOAA. Dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds create prime fire conditions — sometimes before peak heat arrives.
Another underestimated hazard is blowing dust. Spring wind events can produce sudden dust storms that reduce visibility to near zero, leading to deadly highway pileups. The weather service routinely issues high‑wind and fire‑weather warnings during spring, especially in the central U.S.
Other dangers: Late-season cold, hail, lightning and wild temperature swings
Other weather dangers include late-season snow and hard freezes, which can still occur well into spring across parts of the Plains, Midwest and Northeast, catching travelers, gardeners and even municipalities off guard, Buckingham said.
Large hail is another underestimated threat. Spring hailstorms can cause millions in damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops in a matter of minutes — even without a tornado, according to NOAA.
Frequent lightning strikes can also be a surprising danger as thunderstorm activity ramps up, Buckingham said.
In addition, "spring can also bring sharp temperature swings of 30 degrees or more in a single day behind strong cold fronts," he added.
Overall, Buckingham said, "because the atmosphere is so dynamic this time of year, it's critical for people to stay weather-aware, especially during severe weather outbreaks, and to have multiple reliable ways to receive timely warnings."
Doyle Rice is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, with a focus on weather and climate.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Spring 2026 safety tips as violent weather looms
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