Severe Storms, Tornadoes to Rattle the Northern Plains

Hail covering the ground in Chicago taken by Henryk Sadura from Photos.com.

By Meghan Evans, Meteorologist

Mar 26, 2012; 3:11 PM ET

Damaging thunderstorms will rumble across the northern Plains tonight and farther east across the Midwest on Tuesday.
Storms will first ignite across far eastern Wyoming and western South Dakota by late this evening as a storm system ejects from the northern Rockies into the northern Plains.
Much of North Dakota, the remainder of South Dakota, northern Nebraska and western Minnesota will also be in the path of severe thunderstorms tonight.
Rapid City, Aberdeen and Pierre, S.D., as well as Bismark and Fargo, N.D., are among the cities and towns at risk for getting hit by damaging storms.
The strongest storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts greater than 60 mph and tornadoes.

"The hail throughout Monday night could be large enough to shatter windows, dent vehicles and injure livestock," AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
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The greatest threat for tornadoes tonight will be across western and central portions of South Dakotas, where the greatest twisting motion of the atmosphere will be in place.
The darkness of night will make tornadoes difficult to see, so it is crucial to find shelter immediately if any severe storm or tornado-related warnings are issued for your area. Keep a weather radio on high volume to stay alert to the storm situation.
Communities from southern Wisconsin to northern Missouri may be in the path of more isolated severe storms as the system marches farther north and east Tuesday. High winds, hail and isolated tornadoes will be the threats.

Severe Storms, Tornadoes to Rattle the Northern Plains