NORMAN, Okla.—Forecasters say severe weather developing in the nation’s midsection could be stronger than previously expected and ultimately stretch from the plains of West Texas to the Appalachian Mountains.
In a midday update to Wednesday’s forecast, the Storm Prediction Center went to its second-highest advisory level — a moderate risk — while cautioning that a strong tornado or two could form in an area between Wichita, Kansas, and Jefferson City, Missouri.
Heat, humidity and the approach of a jet stream would help generate storms Wednesday afternoon and evening. Strong storms are expected again Thursday in the mid-Mississippi River Valley.
Less than 1 million people were in Wednesday’s “moderate risk” area, but 34 million were under at least a slight risk of seeing damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado.
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