Strong to isolated severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday for portions of the Central Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, and Great Lakes. Moderate to heavy rain across the Southwest and western portions of Texas and Oklahoma will be possible, as well as a flooding potential. Widespread heavy rain and general thunderstorms will be possible for portions of the eastern Gulf and Carolinas.
- Strong thunderstorms ahead of front expected to be ongoing from parts of eastern NE into western WI from midnight through sunrise, then weakening.
- As front progresses into Great Lakes region, new strong to severe storms are then possible from Kansas City metro area east across northern IL and toward Lake Erie. Wind gusts to 60mph and hail up to 1.5” in diameter will be the main threats, and the highest risk area appears likely from northern IL through southwest MI, including the Chicago Metro.
- Heavy rain will spread east from NM and the TX Panhandle into western OK on Saturday. Rainfall totals over 1.5” are likely in spots.
- Heavy rain expected from the eastern Gulf across FL to offshore Carolinas and northern Bahamas, especially in the morning and afternoon. Rain totals of 2.0-3.5 inches are possible, especially offshore. Rain over the Gulf is likely to diminish somewhat by Saturday night.
- Elsewhere, more showers and general thunderstorms, some with gusty winds and small hail, are expected in parts of AZ and the Great Basin.