cnn weather
A forecast model shows how storms could develop by Tuesday afternoon.
CNN
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A powerful storm system capable of unleashing hail, wind and devastating tornadoes will move through parts of the Mississippi Valley and Midwest on Tuesday after spawning tornadoes across the Plains overnight.
Violent thunderstorms swept across the plains at sunrise. At least two tornadoes – one in eastern Kansas and the other in far southern Nebraska – were observed Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Storms will likely remain strong as they rumble across parts of the Midwest into the afternoon.
Additional storms are expected to break out Tuesday afternoon from Iowa to Arkansas and track east through the evening.
Any of Tuesday’s storms could feature hail, high winds or tornadoes, but the most significant hail and tornado threat is for Iowa, northern Missouri and west-central Illinois . A Level 3 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk covers this area, which includes Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
More of the Midwest is under a risk of Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorms on Tuesday.
View this interactive content on CNN.com
Pockets of heavy rain could also trigger flash flooding in parts of the Northern Plains and Mississippi Valley. Rainfall totals could reach 3 inches and fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour in some locations.
Fort Wayne, Indiana and Milwaukee have already received excess rain this month, with more than a dozen river gauges already in minor flood stage even before this round of rain. Additional rain could overwhelm rivers and streams and cause flash flooding.
On Wednesday, storms are expected to move farther east, bringing scattered thunderstorms and similar weather threats to parts of the Ohio Valley and the South through the evening.
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Gusty winds accompanying the storms are contributing to an elevated fire risk in the Southwest through Wednesday morning.
Red flag warnings are active Tuesday in New Mexico, Texas and parts of Colorado. They are also in place in northeastern Montana.
Strong winds, combined with low humidity and brittle brush, could fuel the rapid spread of any fires that may start in the warning area, the National Weather Service said. People should be careful to avoid activities that could start fires.
Simple fire prevention measures include properly disposing of cigarettes, moving cars away from dry grass, avoiding creating open flames or sparks and following burning bans, the AZ weather service said. Albuquerque, New Mexico. informed.
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