Winter weather, tornadoes threaten parts of the USA: forecast for Wednesday

Many Americans will be blasting out their snow chains on Wednesday due to a winter weather warning in the West, while people across the central U.S. will have to keep an eye on severe thunderstorms

Severe weather with thunderstorms and tornadoes is forecast across the central United States on Wednesday, while other parts are expected to experience a cold dose of winter weather.

Damaging winds, large hail and some tornadoes are possible in southeastern Nebraska, northwestern Missouri, eastern Kansas and parts of northeastern Oklahoma as a cold front moves in, according to the National Weather Service.

A reduced chance of severe thunderstorms is expected from southwest Iowa to parts of northern Texas. Heavy rains could also lead to isolated flash flooding from central Wisconsin to northeast Texas despite the region's recent drought, forecasters warned.

By Wednesday and Thursday, forecasters expect rain to wipe out Halloween celebrations in parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region, including major cities like Detroit and Cleveland, AccuWeather reported.

Thunderstorms may also affect vacation plans in the South, particularly in part of the region from Houston to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. Although the rain could cause flooding, damaging winds and hail were the main threat in midweek, forecasters said.

Winter weather advisory issued for portions of Mountain West

Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected at higher elevations in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado on Wednesday thanks to a strong storm, according to the weather service. Several winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories issued earlier this week remain in effect.

According to the service, there could be up to 30 cm of snow in the mountain ranges as colder air combines with high humidity. Conditions may make travel difficult, especially in the dark.

“Be prepared for winter driving conditions and slower speeds if you need to venture into the highlands. Following the storm, much colder air will lead to frost and freezing problems in lower elevations,” the service warned.