20 million people under a severe weather threat: Hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes possible

About 20 million people were at risk of severe weather Wednesday when storms capable of spawning tornadoes could stir up the central U.S., forecasters said.

The system in the Plains is a continuation of turbulent weather hitting the region throughout the week, ranging from red flag warnings to thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The possibility of severe weather will continue to move north toward the Great Lakes area later this week, according to AccuWeather, threatening millions more with volatile spring weather.

Here's what to know about the national weather forecast for Wednesday:

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes possible in the Plains

The potential for severe weather exists for a wide swath of the Plains on Wednesday, and the risk will increase through the course of the day.

"Large hail and high winds are the greatest potential, though an isolated tornado or two remain possible, with highest potential across central Kansas," the National Weather Service said.

The risk of severe weather will range from Texas to Wisconsin. An "enhanced" risk to "slight" risk will be in place in:

• Central and eastern Kansas

• Northwest Missouri

• Southeast Nebraska

• Central and southern Iowa

• Central Oklahoma

• Far north-central Texas

Major cities including Kansas City, Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; Topeka, Kansas, and Oklahoma City are among the locations at risk.

"An extra surge of moisture and warm air will contribute to a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms with the potential for large hail and isolated tornadoes from eastern Kansas to near the Iowa borders of Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois on Wednesday," said Guy Pearson, AccuWeather director of weather warning services.

'Critical' fire weather in New Mexico, other states

High winds are once again a concern of residents in the southern Plains on Wednesday. Another round of red-flag warnings were issued as strengthening winds and dry conditions increase the fire risk.

All of New Mexico will have "critical" fire weather through Thursday, and wind gusts Wednesday are expected to reach 50 mph. Here's a look other regions under red flag warnings:

• Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles

• Western Texas

• Central Oklahoma

• Central and eastern Colorado

• Western Kansas

• Western Nebraska

• New Jersey

More winter weather amid flood warnings in north-central U.S.

The Great Lakes region received heavy snowfall Monday, and another round is expected to arrive in Minnesota on Wednesday. Most regions will get rain, snow or a wintry mix by the afternoon.

"Some light snow and ice accumulation will be possible Wednesday into Wednesday night and may affect travel in spots," the weather service said.

Parts of Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin are also under flood warnings.

Much of Montana and parts of North Dakota were under winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories from snow that's expected to fall both Wednesday and into Thursday. "Travel may become difficult at times," the weather service in Glasgow, Montana, said.

National weather radar

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wednesday forecast: Hail, severe weather possible for millions