At least 100 million people are at risk of being hit by severe hail, thunder, winds and even tornadoes this week that could pose a “significant risk” to lives and property across the country.
The onslaught of the storm system has brought the highest risk of severe thunderstorms so far this year on Monday and Tuesday.
The start of the severe weather came over the weekend when parts of Iowa and Missouri saw large hail and 70 mph winds that later hit southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.
On Monday, Kansas experienced intense storms with hail reportedly larger than soft balls, Texas was hit by hazy dust storms and dark storm clouds consumed Oklahoma.
On Tuesday, the Storm Prediction Center forecast intense and potentially long-lived tornadoes, sweeping through southeastern Indiana, through Ohio and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms in Indiana, Ohio and parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.
A resident of Caney, Kansas, captured hail thrown as large white chunks flung across a yard. Strong winds also caused the mix of rain and hail to rise into the sky and onto roads.
Another person from Oklahoma posted dark, gloomy storm clouds that practically covered the entire sky Monday night.
This severe weather event is expected to extend into Tuesday night and across western and northern Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia.
The days of intense weather are forecast to last through Wednesday, where the threat will be more focused on the mid-Atlantic coastal region and will produce strong winds and rain that could cause flooding on local streets and highways.
Some hail could exceed two inches in diameter and strong winds could reach up to 120 kilometers per hour, the center said.
The storms are likely to reach peak strength Tuesday afternoon and evening, but have the potential to continue wreaking havoc overnight in some areas.
The risk of severe storms on Tuesday was raised to a level 4 of 5 across much of Ohio and parts of Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.
The Weather Service also issued flood warnings for parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and western Maryland through Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Center, part of the Southeast stretching from Alabama to southern Pennsylvania has been set at a level 3 of 5, for severe storms, including threats of tornadoes and large hail.
Rain will then turn to snow on Wednesday in the Midwest and Great Lakes, and heavy rain and snow will continue through Thursday in both areas.
In Texas, a furious dust storm swept over the land and turned the skies an ominous shade of red and gray, with only a few white clouds still visible in the distance.
Other Kansas residents showed how enormous the hail pieces were when a large piece with pointy sides was seen in the palm of one hand.
Another image showed dust invading a baseball field with the same dark sky in the background.
Rain is currently forecast in major cities in the Northeast, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Matt Benz said, “Within the northern part of the zone, which covers part of the Midwest, more than one severe storm can directly affect some communities.”
A Caney, Kansas, resident captured video Monday of the hail being thrown, as large white chunks spewed air onto a yard.
Strong winds also caused the mix of rain and hail to rise into the sky and onto roads.
Other residents of the state showed how large the pieces of hail were, as a large piece with pointy sides appeared in the palm of one hand.
More pieces were seen lined up along a surface as a yellow measuring tape showed the size of the freezing rain pellets.
Another person from Oklahoma posted dark, gloomy storm clouds that practically covered the entire sky Monday night.
In Texas, a furious dust storm swept over the land and turned the skies an ominous shade of red and gray, with only a few white clouds still visible in the distance.
Another image showed dust invading a baseball field with the same dark sky in the background.
Severe weather could also cause hazardous travel conditions, delays and property risks due to downed trees and power lines.
Residents in the areas are reminded to keep devices charged and nearby to receive important storm warnings and avoid life-threatening incidents while they sleep.
There is also the potential for a number of flight delays and even cancellations as the powerful storms persist.