HOLT, Fla., March 31, 2023—An outbreak of severe storms is setting up to strike this afternoon and evening across a large portion of the Mississippi Valley region.

Areas from Mississippi north to Iowa are bracing for severe weather today, including the possibility of violent, long-track tornadoes.

Portions of the affected areas are under a level 4 out of 5 risk for the severe weather.

According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, at least a few long-track, strong to potentially violent tornadoes are probable, particularly over potions of the mid-Mississippi Valley to the mid-South.

According to the NWS Quad Cities covering Iowa and Illinois, fast-moving storms will give people little time to seek shelter.

Swaths of intense damaging wind gusts along with very large hail are expected as well, according to the forecast. Golf-ball-sized hail is expected in the St. Louis area.

The peak of the severe activity is forecast to be centered for this afternoon and into the evening hours. Some strong, after-dark, long-track tornadoes are possible along with wind gusts up to 75 mph and large hail.