.. Several bands of showers and thunderstorms will continue to move northeastward across the Upper Mississippi Valley this afternoon, producing locally heavy rain over parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois.

Stronger thunderstorms are expected to develop later this afternoon along and ahead of a cold front and upper level weather system approaching from the west, from the Upper Mississippi Valley through the Lower Missouri Valley to the Central High Plains.

A few of the thunderstorms may produce large hail or damaging winds.

For more specific information on this hazardous weather situation refer to the latest issuances from local National Weather Service Offices.