Friday now up to a moderate risk of severe storms

The Storms Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, has issued a moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) for severe storms on Friday for all of western Kentucky, southern Illinois and southeast Missouri.

We're at the bullseye of a massive area of severe storm potential for much of the eastern U.S. At the minimum, a slight risk  (2 out of 5) is indicated for 15 states from Arkansas to the Atlantic Coast.

From Friday afternoon into the evening, supercells are possible with a concern for large hail and a tornado risk. They may then consolidate into a large complex of storms with a significant damaging wind threat of 70 to 80-mph wind gusts..

Additional storms are expected from Sunday night through Wednesday with severe weather possible especially on Tuesday.