Severe Thunderstorms Forecast for Midwest on Wednesday

A severe thunderstorm outbreak is possible Wednesday in the Midwest with intense, long-lived tornadoes, large hail and damaging wind gusts. Wednesday's most concerning threat will develop in the afternoon, though some storms may form earlier in southern Minnesota and eastern Iowa. The main area of concern stretches from Missouri to Indiana during the afternoon and early evening.

A Level 4 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms covers parts of central and northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana. The rest of the region is under a Level 3 out of 5 risk. Supercell thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes are expected in the higher-risk areas.

Tornadoes that form could reach EF3 strength or greater and travel long distances. Damaging wind gusts potentially topping 75 mph will become the main threat Wednesday night as storms merge into lines stretching from eastern Kansas to western Ohio.

A multi-day period of storms last week produced more than 1,500 reports of wind, hail and tornadoes in the central United States. Any remaining threats will clear the Midwest Thursday and move into the East.