Storms to Continue to Hammer the Central U.S. Through the Weekend

Storms will continue to rumble across the central U.S. right into the weekend, likely wearing out their welcome in a few places. Isolated pockets of thunderstorm activity are also a likelihood in the East. Read on for a more detailed account of when and where you can expect storms to pop off over the next few days.

High Plains Primary Target of Midweek Storms

Severe weather impacts will be a repeated headline in the days ahead across the nation's midsection. It has already been a rocky start to the week for millions of Americans. For instance, thunderstorms delayed the World Cup game between France and Iraq on Monday in Philadelphia.

Monday's storms in the eastern U.S. resulted in over 200 high-wind incidents. Likewise, storms focused on the Plains states triggered 50 reports of large hail as well as at least 10 tornadoes.

The storm action will continue across the Great Plains through the end of the work week. While Tuesday's activity impacted the central Plains, the eastern slopes of the Rockies, and the High Plains, Wednesday's storms will stretch from central portions of Wyoming all the way to the central Gulf Coast. This impact zone includes a large swath of the High Plains of New Mexico into the northwestern corner of Texas. Potential impacts with Wednesday's storms include large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

Looking at a few specific local forecasts, Goodland, Kansas, will be at the heart of storms late Wednesday. The hub of western Kansas is expecting scattered thunderstorms during the evening hours to become more widespread and intense overnight. The forecast is calling for 1 to 2 inches of rain after the sun goes down, paired with winds out of the east-southeast at 10 to 20 mph.

To the north, it will be a messy day in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This area is preparing for thunderstorms throughout the day and into the overnight hours. The clouds will keep highs in the low 70s before falling into the mid 50s overnight. It will be a breezy day in Cheyenne with winds out of the south-southeast at 10 to 20 mph.

Thursday's storm line is forecast to set up from eastern Idaho and central Montana to the southeast into Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri. Frequent lightning strikes could pose a hazard to people spending time outside. Areas that see repeated storms will also be under the threat of flash flooding.