118 million at risk as severe storms, tornadoes forecast to again blast through central, southern U.S.

Doyle Rice
Updated
More storms are forecast for Wednesday through Friday this week in the central and southern U.S.

Another severe weather outbreak is forecast for Wednesday through Friday this week in the central and southern U.S., in what could be a repeat of last weekend's savage storms that killed nine people.

"We expect numerous thunderstorms to develop in the Plains, Midwest and South starting Wednesday, spreading eastward Thursday and Friday," the Weather Channel said.

About 118 million people live where severe storms are possible, AccuWeather warned.

"Some of the same communities devastated by this weekend's severe weather in the South will be at risk again," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

Roman Brown, left and Sam Crawford, right move part of a wall out of their way on April 14, 2019, as they help a friend look for medicine in a destroyed home outside of Hamilton, Miss.
Roman Brown, left and Sam Crawford, right move part of a wall out of their way on April 14, 2019, as they help a friend look for medicine in a destroyed home outside of Hamilton, Miss.

The main threat Wednesday will be in the southern Plains. The greatest risk for severe storms Wednesday will be "from southeastern Oklahoma into far western Arkansas and into northern and central Texas," the National Weather Service said.

Cities such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Oklahoma City will be most at risk Wednesday.

During the day Thursday, the risk of severe thunderstorms and the potential for isolated tornadoes will extend from southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana to areas near the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi, AccuWeather said.

By the end of the week, the storm will reach the East Coast and Southeast: "Friday has the potential to bring an elevated risk of severe weather, including storms with tornadoes and large hail to areas in the Carolinas," AccuWeather meteorologist Eddie Walker said.

The risk of severe storms is likely to extend farther north into the mid-Atlantic and farther south in Georgia and the Florida Peninsula from Friday evening to Friday night.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 118 million at risk as severe storms, tornadoes forecast to again blast through central, southern U.S.