Midwest and Rockies Hit by Severe Storms and Tornado Threats

Severe storms brought baseball-sized hail to the Midwest and heavy snow to the Rockies, with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and a possible tornado affecting parts of the United States. Severe thunderstorm warnings were in place across Illinois and Missouri, with hail as big as a quarter and gusts up to 60 mph expected in Kansas. Heavy snowfall in Colorado left thousands without power, with rates of 2 to 3 inches of snow an hour and the risk of avalanches. The extreme weather is expected to push southward into Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, while the mid-Atlantic regions are expected to experience very warm and pleasant weather.