'Severe Storms' Threatening 15 States, 85 mph Winds & 6 Inches of Rain Expected

According to a report from Accuweather, this weekend will bring a series of heavy storms across the Midwest that could pose risks of flooding, wind damage, and lightning.

They describe the upcoming conditions as a "corridor of downpours and thunderstorms" that will stretch from Texas to the Great Lakes, bringing severe weather across the United States over the weekend and into next week.

Most cities within this corridor can expect up to four inches of rain throughout the week, with certain regions hitting upwards of six inches. These storms will also bring heavy winds, foggy conditions, and could result in dangerous travel conditions.

While these conditions could pose issues for local residents, many reports actually suggest the storms could be a good thing. March brought several draughts across the Midwest, and this month should correct the dry conditions—at the cost of potential road flooding.

Accuweather reports that the localized storms will begin from Thursday, April 9 in Texas, Iowa, and Missouri, centralizing in the Kansas City region. The main dangers will include "hail and strong wind gusts".

Similar conditions will stretch into Arkansas and neighboring states on Friday. Over the weekend, the storms will continue into the High Plains, where hailstones "the size of baseballs" may be found. These can cause severe property damage; residents are warned to remain inside. Winds upwards of 85 mph are also expected.

By Sunday, the severe weather should reach the Mississippi Valley, where similar hail conditions are possible. Reports also warn of the "potential for multiple tornadoes along the zone from central Texas to Iowa".

On Monday and Tuesday, "hail, high winds and tornadoes are all possible in the strongest storms" in cities such as Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, and others. Reports warn that Tuesday could become a severe weather day with nationwide warnings in place.

Residents in any of the affected cities are warned to stay indoors and remain alert about potential thunderstorms, tornadoes, or dangerous hail conditions. Full details can be found via Accuweather.