Maps show more severe storms forecast for Midwest after tornadoes, flooding

Severe storms break out in several states, accompanied by tornadoes and flooding 02:46

Forecasters say the threat of strong tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding will return to the central United States Friday night into the start of the weekend.

So far, there have been multiple tornadoes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, including one in Lena, Illinois, which officials described as large and “extremely dangerous.” The tornado caused widespread damage, according to local officials.

More than 51 million people are at risk from severe weather from Texas to Wisconsin, with most storms expected to occur in the afternoon and evening. The forecast comes as communities are still cleaning up from a tornado that struck earlier this week.

Map shows severe weather, tornadoes expected on Friday

The weather service said Friday that the upper Mississippi River across parts of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin will have the “most potential for severe tornadoes,” while parts of the central and Midwestern United States will have the “most potential for extremely large hail.”

The Chicago area was under a tornado watch Friday night. The potential threat of tornadoes extends across multiple states.

This map shows the potential for severe weather Friday in states from the U.S.-Mexico border all the way to Canada and from Texas to Michigan:

Large hail poses a threat to states such as Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Michigan.

Damaging winds are expected to reach 70 mph in parts of the same region, from Texas to Green Bay.

Severe storm forecast for Saturday

Several states will continue to experience severe storm threats Saturday, including cities such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

A cold front bringing storms is moving east, with cold air behind it. That will bring temperatures closer to normal for this time in the East next week, said CBS News and Weather Meteorologist Nikki Nolan.

Still cleaning up tornado

The new threat comes as communities across the country deal with the aftermath of tornadoes.

In Western New York, a community south of Buffalo began picking up the pieces Thursday after a small tornado caused extensive damage the day before, CBS News senior national weather correspondent Rob Marciano reported Friday.

Two tornadoes struck Clinton, Mo., on Wednesday night, knocking trees off Andrew Donaldson’s roof and garage.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said, adding, “I don’t want to see it again.”

Record flooding in Michigan

Meanwhile, Michigan is dealing with record flooding, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring a state of emergency in 33 counties.

“We are in crisis mode right now,” she said Thursday. “Recovery mode requires additional work.”

The Muskegon River in the western part of the state hit record highs. Marciano reported that in northern Michigan, a dam in Sheboygan was close to breaching, and Gretchen said officials were “monitoring high water levels everywhere.”

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, roads remained flooded Thursday after heavy rains hit the area Wednesday night. Officials said a 41-year-old man in the state was killed after a suspected lightning strike.