The central United States is on high alert as forecasters track a potentially dangerous end to the weekend, with severe weather threatening several states. Following a deadly derecho that struck Texas and Louisiana, another powerful storm system is expected to impact Kansas and Oklahoma on Sunday, bringing destructive wind gusts exceeding 100 mph and baseball-sized hail.

The multiday severe weather threat is set to affect millions of people across the Plains and Midwest region, extending through at least Tuesday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has escalated its severe weather outlook, focusing on central Kansas as the highest-risk area for destructive wind gusts and large hail.

The SPC warns that severe thunderstorms are likely to develop later in the day and continue into the evening across parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. These storms have the potential to create a derecho, characterized by swaths of destructive winds ranging from 80-100 mph, with localized areas possibly experiencing gusts higher than 100 mph. Alongside the damaging winds, there is also a possibility of very large hail and a few tornadoes.

To address the severity of the upcoming threat, the SPC has placed nearly 570,000 people in central Kansas at a Level 4 risk on its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale. This includes cities such as Dodge City, Great Bend, Salina, and areas north of Wichita. Additionally, approximately 850,000 people in Kansas and parts of northwestern Oklahoma are at a Level 3 risk, encompassing areas like Topeka, Wichita, Hays, and Woodward.

While the region faces potential tornadoes, meteorologists are particularly concerned about the risk of destructive wind gusts and baseball-sized hail. This has prompted the SPC to closely monitor the formation of supercell thunderstorms, which could then develop into a bow echo as they progress across the affected region.

Forecasters have emphasized the threat of damaging winds, with gusts exceeding 75 mph or greater, comparable to sustained winds in a Category 1 hurricane. Some thunderstorms on Sunday could generate wind gusts as strong as those seen in a Category 2 hurricane. Localized areas may experience wind gusts beyond 100 mph, a force capable of causing significant damage.

As the severe weather threat looms, residents in the impacted areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Life-threatening conditions, including lightning, tornadoes, and large hail, are a possibility with any severe thunderstorm that develops. It is crucial to follow local news and heed warnings from authorities to ensure safety.

The central U.S. is bracing for what could be one of the most severe weather events of the year, with the potential for widespread damage and disruption. Residents must remain vigilant as the threat continues through the upcoming workweek, with experts closely monitoring the progress of this powerful storm system.