Maps show more severe storms forecast for Midwest after tornadoes, flooding

Severe weather is expected to return to the central U.S. from Friday evening into the weekend, with threats of strong tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding. Over 51 million people from Texas to Wisconsin are at risk, with most storms predicted for the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service highlights the Upper Mississippi Valley, including parts of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as having the highest chance for strong tornadoes, while the central U.S. and Midwest face the greatest risk for large hail. Damaging winds up to 70 mph are also forecasted. The severe weather threat extends into Saturday for cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo, as a cold front moves east, bringing cooler temperatures. This comes as communities are still recovering from earlier tornadoes, such as in western New York and Clinton, Missouri, where recent tornadoes caused significant damage. QUESTION: How might communities better prepare for and respond to severe weather events to minimize damage and ensure safety?