Central U.S. braces for days of heavy rain and floods threatening 88 million

Forecasters warn a multi-state bout of heavy rain and severe storms could affect over 88 million people across the Midwest and northern Plains this week, bringing up to 8 inches of rain, risks of flash flooding, large hail and possible tornadoes, with dangerous flooding threats extending from Missouri and Illinois to Tennessee and Alabama; the weekend storms already caused damage and a death in New York City as winds toppled trees and flooded streets.