The $135 billion storm threat

A multiday severe weather threat is expected to intensify Wednesday, affecting over 135 million people across the Midwest and Northeast through Thursday, with storms capable of producing large hail,damaging wind gusts,and tornadoes.

A large dip in the jet stream is now positioned over the Midwest, helping trigger daily thunderstorms as it slowly moves eastward througgh the week.

Dew points in the 50s and low 60s, paired with strong daytime heating, will help fuel all modes of severe weather, while also raising the risk of localized flash flooding.

Supercell thunderstorms developed across the Dakotas on Tuesday, generating hurricane-force wind gusts.

Who's under threat?

More than 35 million people across the Midwest are under a severe weather threat, including the Milwaukee and Chicago metro areas.

Large hail and tornadoes will be the main hazards on Wednesday afternoon across parts of southeastern Minnesota, Wisconsin,northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, northern Missouri, and northeastern Kansas, where NOAA has issued a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms.

Heading into the evening, wind gusts up to 75 mph are expected across Wisconsin before pushing into northern Illinois closer to midnight.

Flash flooding and hail: the perfect storm

Flash flooding is also likely with repeated rounds of storms and high moisture, with rain rates potentially exceeding more than 2 inches per hour.

By Thursday, the threat shifts into the Midwest, with a Level 3 severe thunderstorm risk that covers more than 20 million people across the Midwest, including the Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee metro areas.

Storms will continue to develop in the afternoon and evening along the cold front as it marches eastward, with all severe weather hazards possible once again.

Additionally, these moisture-rich storms could bring the potential for low-end risk flash flooding, with widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches possible across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois.

What's still unknown?

The exact timing and location of the worst storms remains uncertain, with forecasters warning that the threat could shift at any moment.

Residents are advised to stay informed and follow the latest updates from their local weather service.