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Intense thunderstorms are erupting across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing the threat for widespread wind damage, large hail and tornadoes.
On the edge of a hot, humid weather pattern enveloping the Central U.S., severe storms are rolling into northern Illinois, northern Indiana and western Michigan. These storms haven't lost their ferocity as they've rampaged through the Midwest, prompting reports of tornadoes and large hail across the upper Mississippi Valley. They will continue to race across Lake Michigan into southern Michigan, northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio.
Currently, Severe Thunderstorm Watches remainin effect for northern Illinois into northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. This includes the cities of Chicago, Rockford, Ill., South Bend, Ind., and Benton Harbor, Mich. Very large hail up to 2 inches in diameter, larger than the size of golf balls, and high wind gusts up to 75 mph are the main threats.
Large to very large hail, intense wind gusts and several tornadoes will remain possible tonight into early Thursday. The storms could grow into a bigger storm complex, increasing the chance of damaging winds, large hail and long-track and strong tornadoes. In fact, the storm threat is so elevated that the Storm Prediction Center has placed much of eastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois and southwestern Michigan within a ModerateandEnhanced Risk for dangerous storms.
Make sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that severe weather is possible, and you should have a plan in place. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you need to act fast to protect life and well-being.