Severe storms target nearly 50 million across Midwest, Ohio Valley with large hail

Severe storms are expected to develop along a cold front Thursday afternoon across the parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley. A Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms covers most of eastern Illinois, Indiana, southern Michigan and western and central Ohio. This includes the area just east of St. Louis, as well as the Chicago, Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio metro areas. The main hazard associated with these storms will be large hail but a tornado cannot be ruled out. Severe storms will race south and east through Thursday night, reaching the Mid-Atlantic by Friday morning.