In the aftermath of a deadly storm that claimed eight lives in Houston over the weekend, approximately 25 million Americans are now preparing for more severe weather conditions across the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a notice warning of an outbreak of severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, primarily impacting large areas of the Midwest and western Great Lakes regions.

The NWS has identified Iowa and certain parts of nearby states as the areas facing the greatest threat. The agency has alerted residents to the possibility of severe thunderstorms accompanied by wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 70mph, as well as potential flash flooding. Urging residents to prioritize their safety, the NWS advises seeking shelter on higher ground and avoiding walking or driving through floodwaters.

Warnings from the NWS's office in Des Moines specifically state that a line of severe thunderstorms is currently moving through the Des Moines metro area, with reports of wind speeds between 60-70mph and hail as large as 1 inch in diameter. Severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings are in effect, further emphasizing the need for immediate shelter.

Additionally, the NWS foresees the redevelopment of severe storms on Tuesday afternoon in eastern Nebraska and northern Missouri, before rapidly moving northeast towards the Great Lakes region. While the risk of isolated severe storms exists in areas of eastern Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, and central Texas, all affected regions are warned to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes, severe wind gusts reaching about 75mph, 2-inch hail, and scattered instances of flash flooding.

Throughout Tuesday night, heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in the upper Midwest, from the Ozarks to south Texas. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to form from mid-afternoon into the evening on Tuesday, particularly near the front and dry line, with the potential for large hail up to 3 inches in diameter and locally severe gusts.

By Wednesday morning, the system is projected to move towards southern Canada, subsequently reducing the threat of heavy rainfall across the Great Lakes region. However, the NWS cautions that a trailing cold front may become nearly stationary across the southern Plains, heralding the emergence of further severe weather and excessive rainfall.

The NWS's latest warnings follow the tragic deaths of eight individuals in storm-related incidents in Houston. Mayor John Witmire confirmed that at least two deaths were caused by falling trees, and another occurred when a crane collapsed onto a cement truck due to heavy winds. Carbon monoxide poisoning claimed the eighth victim during the storm, as announced by the Houston fire department on Monday.

With the severe weather threat intensifying, authorities and residents in the impacted areas are advised to remain vigilant, stay updated on weather bulletins, and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and other potential hazards.