Early autumn severe storms to shift from Plains to Atlantic and Gulf coasts

As a front separating air cold enough for snow in the Rockies collides with humid air the East, rounds of gusty and severe thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain will erupt prior to the end of the week, AccuWeather meteorologists say.

Severe weather often increases in autumn following the late-summer lull in thunderstorm activity, as the jet stream strengthens and warm and humid air flows from the Gulf.

In addition to heavy rain , the main threats in severe storms will be lightning strikes, powerful wind gusts, and hail. A few tornadoes are possible through the end of the week in the most intense storms.

Into Tuesday night, most of the severe thunderstorms will develop from central Texas to southern Kentucky. Within this zone, a more concentrated area of severe weather will encompa