Severe Storm Train to Persist Through the Weekend for Central U.S.

It has been a rocky week of weather for the central U.S., with no end in sight. The latest forecast models are predicting more severe storms packing the potential of tornadoes through the weekend. Read on for the latest details of this unsettled forecast.

Storms Continue to Pack a Punch Across the Central and Eastern U.S.

More severe storms are gearing up to roar across the central U.S. and to the east in the days ahead. The storms will come after what has already been a messy few days in the nation's heartland. Although Thursday is expected to be a bit calmer than the start to the week, the storms will become more widespread again on Friday.

Tuesday has been the most volatile weather day of the week so far. There were 193 filtered severe weather reports on this day alone. The reports noted instances of baseball-sized hail, high winds, and tornadoes.

The heavy and persistent rain has amplified the risk of moderate to major river flooding on streams and rivers in the Great Lakes. The warmer temperatures this week are also accelerating the natural snowmelt process, sending water levels to the brink. Forecasters are warning that the water may not start to recede until the weekend. It could be a few weeks before water levels fall enough to bring most rivers and streams in the region below flood stage.

Flood alerts were issued in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday as several rivers were either at or approaching flood stage. For example, the Green Bay Fire Department told residents near the East River to be ready to evacuate.

Over in Michigan, at least four river gauges are predicted to break all-time records this week. In addition, at least eight gauges are forecast to reach major flood stage. Almost 60,000 customers woke up to no power on Wednesday in Michigan after a deluge of overnight thunderstorms.

The highest chance of severe storms on Thursday will be across the Ohio, Tennessee, and mid-Mississippi valleys. For instance, Nashville could see a stray thunderstorm impact evening activities.

A secondary and more pronounced concentration of storm cells is in the forecast for portions of upstate New York, the southern edge of Vermont, and northwestern Massachusetts. Storms that ignite in this region of New England could pack wind gusts of up to 65 mph, pairing with hail and flooding downpours to present numerous hazards. There is also the chance of isolated tornadic activity in New York and Pennsylvania.