Thunderstorms and tornados are expected to lash several states across the US this week bringing softball-sized hailstones and fierce winds, the National Weather Service warned.
The storm system could pose a “significant risk” for lives according to the agency that predicted days of intense weather across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Over the weekend, Iowa and Missouri saw winds of up to 70mph and large hail that stretched over to Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia to reach Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma on Monday.
The Storm Prediction Center predicted the severe weather to last until Wednesday with risks of strong winds and flooding threatening the mid-Atlantic coastal region of the country.
Flood warnings were issued for parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and western Maryland where the risk for severe storms was upgraded to a level 4 of 5.
The southeast region from Alabama to Pennsylvania is subject to a level 3 of 5 for storm systems and tornadoes.
Northern cities from New York City to Philadelphia are expected to see a heavy rainfall.
“Within the northern part of the zone, encompassing part of the Midwest, more than one severe thunderstorm may directly impact some communities,” said AccuWeather’s Matt Benz.
