Severe Storm Threat Intensifies Across Upper Midwest With Large Hail, Damaging Winds and Tornado Risk

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued a fresh severe-weather outlook Friday afternoon warning that scattered severe thunderstorms could produce very large hail, damaging winds and a couple of tornadoes across parts of the Upper Midwest through tonight.

The latest outlook, issued at 3 p.m. CDT Friday, maintains a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms across the region as atmospheric conditions become increasingly favorable for powerful storms.

Hail Could Exceed 2 Inches

Forecasters warned that some of the strongest thunderstorms could produce hail larger than two inches in diameter, along with damaging wind gusts.

A few tornadoes are also possible as storms develop and strengthen during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Severe Threat Extends Toward Kansas

The Storm Prediction Center said its latest update expanded the overnight severe-weather threat farther into central Kansas, where a strengthening low-level jet and an advancing cold front could support additional storms.

Large hail and severe wind gusts will be the main concerns if thunderstorms develop there overnight.

Residents across the threatened areas are urged to closely monitor weather warnings as individual severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings may be issued as storms intensify. (Reddit)