The Upper Midwest, including northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and western Wisconsin, is bracing for severe thunderstorms with the potential for high winds, large hail, and tornadoes, prompting school closures and warnings of power outages. Minneapolis and St. Paul are under a high risk of severe weather, leading to early closure of city facilities and efforts to shelter the homeless. Meteorologists highlight the unusual timing of such a large storm and the potential increase in tornado threats if storms become scattered. Areas in the Central and Southern Plains, including north-central Oklahoma and parts of Texas, face risks of flash flooding due to recent heavy rains. Officials emphasize preparedness for residents, as the storms may intensify and spread eastward, with Iowa already experiencing baseball-sized hail and anticipated strong tornadoes and damaging winds.

Officials in the Upper Midwest have issued warnings about possible power outages and early school closures as severe thunderstorms, including high winds, large hail, and tornadoes, are expected to hit the region.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has placed areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather, prompting city facility closures and efforts to shelter vulnerable populations.

Meteorologist Brennan Dettmann notes the unusual timing of such a severe storm and explains that if storm lines remain organized, wind and hail threats prevail, but scattered storms could increase tornado risks.

The Central and Southern Plains, particularly north-central Oklahoma and parts of Texas, face flash flooding risks due to already saturated ground from recent heavy rains.

Chad Hahn of the National Weather Service reports that thunderstorms developing in northwestern Iowa are producing baseball-sized hail, with expectations of the storms increasing in intensity as they move eastward.

School districts in north-central Iowa, like Algona Community School District, have closed early to ensure student safety, with plans to monitor the situation closely throughout the night.

Superintendent Joe Carter emphasizes the importance of preparation for severe weather, acknowledging the possibility of no severe impact but stressing readiness for the worst-case scenario.