Big Storms Threaten Midwest, Ohio Valley; Larger Midweek Outbreak Possible

A pair of weathermakers may deliver a handful of dangerous thunderstorms to a couple of east-central U.S. spots this evening. A potentially significant severe weather outbreak will be possible for midweek in the Ohio Valley.

An area of low pressure diving across the Great Lakes will drag a cold front eastward across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley through tonight. So far, pockets of thunderstorms have developed from east-central Illinois to central and eastern Michigan. A handful of these thunderstorms could produce isolated damaging wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph and larger than quarter-sized hail. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out either.

Meanwhile, a second, rather potent area of low pressure for mid-June standards will glide into the Upper Midwest by early Wednesday morning. A cluster of thunderstorms will then organize near and north of the storm’s warm front in southern Minnesota and Iowa into Illinois throughout the morning. Hail of golf ball size or larger will be the primary risk, though a few of the thunderstorms could contain gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph.

Cities such as Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, Iowa, will need to keep a watchful eye to the sky for threatening weather.

This same disturbance will likely be responsible for a multi-state severe weather outbreak on Wednesday. Already, the Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, stretching from Missouri to western Ohio. There is also a small Moderate Risk, or a 4 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of Illinois and Indiana. 

Wednesday's severe weather risks include the threat for intense tornadoes, very large hail, and widespread damaging wind gusts. 

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”