UNITED STATES - A widespread severe weather pattern is expected to affect much of the Plains, Midwest, and eastern United States through the weekend, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding concerns.

According to AccuWeather, an active jet stream interacting with warm, moisture-rich air will fuel repeated rounds of thunderstorms across key agricultural regions from the Northern Plains to the East Coast. Some storms may become severe.

Friday's strongest storms are expected to stretch from southern Kansas into southern Minnesota and Wisconsin, with the greatest concentration of severe weather forecast from southeastern Nebraska through central Iowa and parts of northwest Missouri. Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are possible.

The system shifts and expands on Saturday. Severe storms are expected across portions of eastern Montana, northwestern South Dakota, and southern Saskatchewan, while another area of concern develops across the Midwest and interior Northeast. Storms may impact parts of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York, with localized wind gusts potentially reaching 75 to 80 mph.

By Sunday, the severe weather extends farther east and south. Thunderstorms capable of producing localized damage and power outages are forecast from Kentucky through the Mid-Atlantic, including portions of Virginia, West Virginia, and the Delmarva Peninsula. Additional storms are possible from New York to New England.

Beyond the severe weather risk, repeated rounds of heavy rainfall could create localized flooding issues and field delays in some production areas. Frequent lightning and gusty winds may also disrupt outdoor operations and transportation activities.

Stay with ANUK for continued weather updates.