The storms bring the possibility of dangerous thunderstorms, large hail and damaging winds. More than 50 reported tornadoes tore across the Midwest, killing three.
Forecasters warned that Illinois and Indiana faced the highest risk of severe storms throughout the day.
For the second day in a row, Chicago is in the bull’s-eye of the areas facing severe weather on Thursday, but the storm forecast is widespread.
Some of the most severe weather in days could hit Monday afternoon, meteorologists said. Tornadoes and large hail are possible.
An El Niño weather pattern appears to be forming faster than expected, forecasters say.
A multi-day weather event continues in the Plains.
One reported tornado downed trees and damaged cars in Lena, Ill., an official said.
As storms develop Friday afternoon, there is a chance for discrete supercells with very large hail, strong tornadoes and destructive, straight-line winds.
Parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri are in the bull’s-eye of powerful storms sweeping through this week.