Storm Warnings Issued for 6 Million Americans for Large Hail, Strong Tornados

The spring season is well into its three-month reign, and with it comes the danger of tornados, thunderstorms and hail. Now, the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has issued storm warnings and watches for six million Americans in the Midwest.

Specifically, the most populated areas of Michigan are expected to be impacted by this storm, but it also bleeds into areas of Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. Weather experts say to expect severe thunderstorms late Tuesday, April 14, into Wednesday, April 15, as well as damaging hail and even tornados.

Tornado Watches and Warnings: Large Hail and 70 mph Wind Gusts Expected for Millions of Americans Going Into Wednesday

So, heading into Wednesday, Michigan and the surrounding region should be on alert. According to a report from meteorologist Mark Torregrossa at MLive, the areas most impacted are in "Muskegon, Grand Rapids, north of Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit and all areas southward" in the state of Michigan.

As for neighboring states, "Notice the first eruption of the thunderstorms in Iowa, Wisconsin and northern Illinois could have a tornado up to EF-3 strength," he notes.

Torregrossa also projects that in this case, "severe wind gusts at the beginning of a thunderstorm could exceed 70 mph."

The storm is expected to start near Madison, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, with thunderstorms that eventually produce two-inch diameter hail. From there, the storms will make their way into lower Michigan in the evening. "Be ready to get to sturdy shelter in a real building at some point this evening," Torregrossa warns.

The National Weather Service adds that in homes or public buildings, head to the basement or a small interior room for protection, and close all doors to the hallway for even more protection.

Record-Breaking Heat on Tap for the East, According to Weather Experts

Meanwhile, major cities in the east are looking at record-breaking highs this week, from Wednesday, April 15, through the end of the week on Friday, April 17. According to research from AccuWeather, New York City is on target to hit 88 degrees on Wednesday and beat the city's 87 degree record set in 1941.

Washington, D.C. is expected to hit 94 on Wednesday, which would mark the earliest 90-degree heat since April 2013. Baltimore is forecasted to get a high of 92 on Wednesday, which would also mark the earliest 90-degree heat since April 2013.

"This is impressive heat for mid-April, arriving weeks earlier than we typically see in many cities," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Matt Benz said in a statement provided to Men's Journal. "Early-season heat can hit harder than people expect because it arrives before routines, clothing and outdoor plans have adjusted to summerlike conditions."

"Temperatures are set to skyrocket a staggering 20 to 30 degrees above historical averages," AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno added. "Philadelphia will be flirting with 90 degrees this week. The historical average is in the 60s."

It's worth noting that according to their report, the Ohio Valley and Midwest will also be warmer than normal this week. But, they won't see drought conditions, since the heavy thunderstorms will soak these areas. The warmer weather is in line with the NOAA's eight to 14 day forecast, which calls for above normal temperatures throughout the Midwest from April 22 through 28. However, that same forecast says to expect the Northeast to return to a normal weather pattern later in the month.