Central U.S. - Storm triggers wintry mix, severe weather

Many awoke to heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, snow and sleet Thursday morning, and more of the active weather is expected throughout the day.

A classic spring storm system is bringing everything but the kitchen sink to many across the central U.S. On the southern flank, severe weather is expected to produce damaging gusts, hail and a few tornadoes from northeast Arkansas to central Michigan, with a highlight on Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chicago and Peoria, Ill., and Madison, Wis.

Flash flooding cannot be ruled out from northern Illinois to Michigan as heavy rain comes with the storm system. One to two inches of rain are possible for most, but locally higher amounts are possible.

The northern flank of this storm system is bringing a blast of winter weather to the northern tier. Snow to a frozen mix will continue as the low-pressure system moves north and east.

Northern Wisconsin and much of Minnesota will stay on the wintry side of the storm, receiving snow and a frozen mix through the overnight hours.