Severe Storms Hit Midwest, Great Lakes, and Plains

Severe storms are impacting the Midwest and neighboring regions this week, with the highest risk for strong tornadoes (EF-2 or higher), large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding on Monday and Tuesday in southern Minnesota, northern Iowa, western Wisconsin, parts of Illinois, Kansas, and eastern Iowa. The National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center have highlighted late afternoon and evening as the most dangerous periods. Minneapolis has closed public facilities and canceled school activities as a precaution. Northern Texas and Oklahoma are also bracing for additional heavy rainfall and possible flooding on top of already saturated conditions. Specific cities such as Appleton, WI, and Buffalo, NY, are on alert for multiple rounds of severe storms, with Buffalo seeing an enhanced threat on Tuesday. Metro Atlanta and nearby areas will experience typical spring storms with gusty winds but are not facing a major severe weather threat.