A potent storm system is forecast to sweep across eight Midwestern states on Wednesday, bringing with it the potential for severe thunderstorms, hail, and high winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the forecast, which has gained viral attention due to its striking visual similarity to male anatomy.
The storm system is projected to originate in Minnesota and move through Wisconsin. The precipitation is expected to intensify in southern Minnesota and Iowa, with predictions of strong winds and hail across the region. Farther west, the area under the warning is expected to expand as it reaches the High Plains.
Approximately 11.7 million people are currently under some form of weather advisory. The NWS Storm Prediction Center indicated that clusters of strong thunderstorms with the potential for severe hail and wind could develop across parts of the Upper Midwest into the central Great Plains from Wednesday through Wednesday night. A front is expected to stall near Lake Superior and extend into central Nebraska.
Despite the severity of the forecast, the overall risk of widespread severe weather remains low and could diminish later in the week. Weather officials have not commented on the viral aspect of the forecast map.