Oklahoma, Kansas storms: Significant tornado outbreak possible in Central US

Severe thunderstorms are likely beyond Monday as the peak of severe weather season shifts into gear. Additional damaging storms are likely through at least Thursday across the central and eastern US. 

Some severe thunderstorms from Monday night will likely persist into Tuesday morning and could impact parts of the Midwest. Damaging wind gusts are the main threat with lingering storms Tuesday morning, but hail and an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out. 

The storms are expected to dissipate by the afternoon, but additional severe thunderstorms are likely to bubble up in their wake. 

Parts of the Midwest and Tennessee Valley are under a Level 2 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, including Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Nashville. 

Afternoon and evening storms could unload damaging wind gusts, hail the size of baseballs and tornadoes. 

A much more expansive threat is shaping up for Wednesday. Over 48 million people are in a Level 2 of 5 or higher risk for severe thunderstorms Wednesday. 

Severe thunderstorms could rumble to life by late Wednesday morning in the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley. The storms will grow in scope and strength as they track east throughout the afternoon and evening, eventually reaching the Appalachians late Wednesday night. 

Hail, damaging winds and tornadoes are the main threats with any storm. Some tornadoes could become strong — at least EF2 strength — especially from far northeastern Texas to far southwestern Ohio. 

An additional round of severe thunderstorms could develop in the East from Georgia to New Jersey on Thursday afternoon. A separate area of fierce storms is possible in Texas. Any storms Thursday could produce damaging wind gusts and hail.