Severe Thunderstorms Expected to Batter Plains and Midwest

Overview

Severe thunderstorms are expected to unleash their fury upon the Plains and Midwest, following localized severe weather that impacted parts of the Rockies on Tuesday. Following damaging winds from thunderstorms that swept through the Plains on Wednesday, meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation.

Areas Affected

Millions of people from the Plains and Midwest to the Great Lakes are facing a multiday severe weather threat, with the following areas at risk:

* Eastern Nebraska * Kansas * Missouri * Southern Minnesota * Wisconsin * Illinois * Indiana * Ohio * Southwestern Michigan

Impacts

Severe thunderstorms can bring a range of potentially hazardous conditions, including:

* Damaging winds * Large hail * Tornadoes * Heavy rain and flooding

Preparation

To prepare for the severe weather threat, residents in affected areas are advised to:

* Monitor local weather forecasts and warnings * Have an emergency plan in place * Assemble an emergency kit * Take shelter in a safe location if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued

Forecast

The National Weather Service predicts that the severe weather threat will persist for several days, with the highest risk on Thursday and Friday. The storms are expected to move eastward, bringing the threat of severe weather to additional areas.

Resources

* National Weather Service * Ready.gov