Severe storms to threaten central US through Monday

Residents across several parts of the central United States will have to remain alert for potentially damaging thunderstorms through Monday.

Late Sunday, severe storms triggered large hail and high winds across the central and southern Plains. Some of these same areas will be at risk for severe weather on Monday, as well as locations farther east.

Any severe storm has the potential to endanger lives and property. Even in the absence of severe weather, anyone outdoors during a thunderstorm is at risk of being struck by lightning.

A cluster of showers and thunderstorms that blossomed over eastern Iowa and southern Wisconsin on Sunday night will sweep south and east into Monday evening.

This cluster of gusty and drenching thunderstorms will sweep the upper Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic on Monday—a theme that will continue several times this week.

Farther west, a new round of storms will ignite on Monday afternoon and evening.

Chicago will join Kansas City, Missouri, and Wichita, Kansas, in facing severe thunderstorms to kick off the week. Isolated severe thunderstorms may also occur southward to Midland, Texas.

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AccuWeather Senior Storm Warning Meteorologist Rich Putnam is concerned for the risk of damaging winds and large hail around Chicago late Monday, a threat that will exist throughout the central Plains. Frequent lightning and downpours are other hazards that residents and motorists will face.

An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out but a significant outbreak is not expected.

Monday evening commuters should prepare for possible delays, while sporting events and other outdoor plans can be disrupted.

After the severe thunderstorms wane overnight Monday, the threat for violent thunderstorms will be more localized on Tuesday.