Weekend storm barrage threatens tornadoes and floods across millions

A weekend storm outbreak threatens tornadoes, damaging winds, and flash floods for about 38 million people from North Texas to Michigan, with the highest tornado risk in the Upper Mississippi Valley (Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Illinois); 12 million in the Ohio Valley/eastern Great Lakes face severe thunderstorms, and rainfall could reach 1–2 inches per hour, fueling flash flooding. Missouri declared a state of emergency as authorities brace for winds over 80 mph and heavy rain, while much of the eastern-central U.S. experiences heat ahead of a cold front that will bring cooler air later.