Autumn storm heading South: Trifecta of changes ahead

A big autumn storm rolling across the Mississippi and Ohio valleys into the Southeast will bring the trifecta of high winds, rain and significant temperature drops across much of the southern Plains and Midwest.

The WeatherRadar shows heavy rain moving out of the Midwest and Mississippi Valley early Wednesday and spinning into the Ohio Valley, South, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. This cold rain is much needed as much of the East is suffering from a long-term drought.

In the wake of the system, strong northwesterly winds will be whipped up along its western flank. The WindRadar shows wind gusts in excess of 30 mph from Lincoln, Neb. , southward to New Orleans.

Driving across the southern Plains into Texas could be a white-knuckle affair with winds of 45 mph possible. This could kick up dust and cause high-profile vehicles to be affected. Dallas, Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas, will be in the zone of highest winds.

The northerly winds will bring a big cooldown deep into Texas. Tuesday's highs that were in the 70s and 80s and even 90s along the Rio Grande Valley will be long forgotten on Wednesday. Highs on Wednesday will be in the 60 and 70s, with the high winds mentioned earlier making it feel even chillier.

The colder, autumn air will make its way into the South and Southeast over the next several days. Check out the TemperatureRadar to see the big changes.