In the upcoming days, thunderstorms and tornadoes are set to sweep across the United States, following a rainy season in California. The storm prediction center at the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for severe weather spreading from the southern plains to the mid-Atlantic and Gulf coast states.

The NWS alert affects approximately 50 million Americans, marking the beginning of what are typically the most active three months for tornadoes in the US each year. Along with thunderstorms, the NWS has also cautioned about the possibility of wind damage and isolated large hail in a wide area.

The greatest risk of tornadoes is expected from central Kentucky, moving east-northeastward into West Virginia. The NWS has emphasized the potential threat, urging residents in these areas to take precautions and prepare for the coming severe weather.

Over the weekend, a slight risk of severe thunderstorms was predicted for northern Missouri, central Illinois, and Indiana. Some of these storms have the potential to produce large hail, reaching the size of baseballs, according to Fox Weather meteorologist Kendall Smith. Southern West Virginia and south central Virginia are also at risk of isolated large hail and wind damage.

As the week progresses, the risk of thunderstorms is expected to increase from central Oklahoma to the lower Ohio Valley on Monday, with the possibility of large to very-large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The NWS highlights the afternoon and evening as the period of highest threat in the southern Plains, while the Ohio Valley can expect the greatest risk in the evening and overnight.

The NWS office in Paducah, Kentucky, warns that the severe storm potential will begin late Monday afternoon in southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois, spreading eastward through the night.

Further alerts have been issued for Tuesday, with the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and regions further east expected to face a severe storm threat. Meteorologist Michael Behrens of Ohio's WBNS news station emphasized the need for residents to stay weather aware, mentioning the occurrence of hail and a funnel cloud report in Central Ohio.

Damaging winds exceeding 60mph and large hail over 1 inch in diameter are the primary concerns, especially in the central Gulf coast states, as an upper-level trough advances eastward across the lower Mississippi Valley, according to the NWS.

As these severe weather conditions approach, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay updated with the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.