The National Weather Service issued weather warnings throughout the Midwest and South on Wednesday in anticipation of hazardous conditions that may last into the weekend.
As temperatures rise throughout the country, so do increased risks of strong winds and thunderstorms. Oklahoma Gas & Electric listed 4,638 power outages, most of the damage coming in Oklahoma City.
Local media outlets said high winds had downed power lines across the metro area as heavy rains moved east. A second storm bringing 65 mile per hour winds and golf-sized hail is expected to hit the state Wednesday afternoon.
Similar warnings were issued in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio where residents may see severe weather Thursday. The NWS cautioned counties in northern Illinois, including McHenry, of moderate to heavy downpours and periods of lightning.
Overnight showers and storms will engulf the southwest Missouri area overnight. Gusts will be as high as 23 MPH places, and a cool front will bring cold rain to the northern part of the state. A momentary pause in the storm will make for an enjoyable Easter Sunday afternoon before rain returns in cities west of St. Louis.
In Ohio County, total rainfall will average between one-to-three inches, according to the NWS Storm Prediction Center. There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms along the Ohio River that should last late into Friday afternoon.
Michigan will see a significant temperature jump over the next few days, going from about 40 degrees across the eastern shores to the high-60s in cities like Flint, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. The southern part of the state will get the brunt of the storm, holding a five percent of severe thunderstorms throughout the day Thursday.
Unlike neighbors to the south, Michigan still has a slight chance of snow heading into Easter weekend.
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