Severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes, giant hail and strong winds expected to batter the Midwest

Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the Midwest and upper Great Lakes on Tuesday, bringing possible tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail.

Up to 51 million people are at risk of severe storms Tuesday, from Texas to Michigan, with storms already underway in Nebraska and Iowa. The storms are expected to continue through Wednesday, affecting 42 million people from central Texas to western New York.

According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, storms are expected to move across Iowa, northwest Illinois, northern Missouri, southwest Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota, with a peak in the afternoon until early evening.

The biggest dangers include widespread damaging winds – some of which could reach hurricane force – multiple tornadoes and possible baseball-sized hail.

Golf ball sized hail was reported in Mahaska County, Iowa on Tuesday.

A tornado watch went into effect Tuesday afternoon in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. A tornado watch considered a “particularly dangerous situation” was issued for most of Iowa, southern Minnesota and western Illinois.

Under this watch, the storm center warned of major threats including winds and isolated gusts up to 90 mph. Additional tornado watches may be issued as the dangerous squall line extends and intensifies.

Gusts of 70 mph have already been recorded in Adair County, Iowa. by Tuesday afternoon.

The Chicago Weather Service also warned of possible storms and threats throughout the evening. In Chicago, the highest risk for severe weather will be between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. local time.

“With the threat of severe thunderstorms late at night tonight, make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, including at least a few that will wake you up if necessary. DO NOT rely on outdoor sirens to help you alert inside, especially when you’re sleeping!” the office warned residents.

Heavy rain could also lead to scattered cases of flash flooding Tuesday evening across the upper Midwest. The system will then move towards southern Canada by Wednesday morning.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, temperatures are expected to rise above average – and potentially reach records in some areas, according to the weather service. Highs in the 80s and lows in the 90s are forecast from the Midwest and Deep South to the Northeast through Wednesday.

Extreme heat is also expected to persist in parts of already sweltering Texas and pose risks to the Houston area, which was hit last week by severe storms that killed at least eight people, and where about 140,000 customers remain without power in Harris County, according to PowerOutage.Us.

An advisory is in effect Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time in South Texas cities such as Brownsville, McAllen and Rio Grande City, with heat index values ​​up to 114 expected.

The advisory states that “heat-related illnesses increase significantly during episodes of extreme heat and high humidity,” and residents are warned to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid the sun, to monitor their loved ones and neighbors and to reduce outdoor work.

Another heat advisory issued by the Midland/Odessa Weather Service Office in Texas warned of temperatures as high as 111 expected in Lower Brewster County through 7 p.m.

“Look before you lock!” Do not leave young children and pets in vehicles unattended, even for a moment. Car interiors will reach deadly temperatures very quickly,” the advisory said.

Next Wednesday, 38 million people will be threatened by storms from central Texas to upstate New York, with large hail, damaging winds and a strong tornado possible. The hardest hit areas are expected to stretch from central Texas to Missouri.