Tornadoes and thunderstorms are sweeping across areas of the South and Midwest of the United States, leaving a trail of destruction and tens of thousands of homes without power. Flash flooding is expected to follow the violent storms as the National Weather Service warns of a threat to life.

A wintry mix in northern Lower Michigan will change to rain by noon. For southern Lower Michigan look for numerous periods of showers and thunderstorms. The thunderstorms could be severe in the afternoon or evening.

A tornado watch has been issued for portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri until 10 p.m. due to the incoming threat of severe

Several Illinois counties are under a tornado watch as a storm moves northward through the state.

An updated tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:07 a.m. in effect until 10 a.m. The watch is for Johnson, Wyandotte, Jackson, Linn, Miami, Adair, Bates, Carroll,

Severe storms are racing into the Chicago area, prompting a tornado watch and the possibility of a messy, hazardous commute home from work. The Tornado Watch is in effect for Ford, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston and Will counties in Illinois and Jasper,

Round two of severe weather and heavy rain will increase Thursday through 7 a.m. Friday. All modes of severe weather are likely.

Northeastern Arkansas saw a tornado emergency issued as a large twister hit Lake City. The tornado was a part of a storm sweeping from Texas to Ohio.