More than 75 million Americans on alert for the arrival of a new storm

The National Weather Service warned that thunderstorms and potentially even tornadoes will affect 15 states.

More than 75 million Americans are on alert for the arrival of a new storm. Meteorological site AccuWeather warned of the arrival of a series of thunderstorms crossing the nation during this weekend affecting up to 15 states. The area projected to face the most damage, forecasters warn, will extend "from Texas to Alabama in the South to areas farther north such as Wisconsin and Michigan."

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service said the storm could be accompanied by hail, strong wind gusts and tornadoes. It also warned that bad weather conditions could last through the weekend:

Meteorologists raised the storm warning level from "moderate" to "high." This implies that the storms could leave damage similar to that experienced in Mississippi a week ago. So explained Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather's chief meteorologist:

While all modes of severe weather are likely during Friday's outbreak, there is a likelihood of widespread damaging winds from the storm with at least several tornadoes likely to be on the ground. The storms will move along at a fast pace.

Recommendations to face the storm

Storms may form very quickly. According to the site, winds could advance at speeds between 40 and 60 mph. This means that there would be little time to seek shelter.

The area under a "high risk" storm warning extends from eastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin to parts of northern Arkansas and western Tennessee. According to Accuweather, the cities where tornadoes could form are: St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn.

The National Meteorological Service recommends that the inhabitants of these cities should avoid travel during these days. They are also advised to stockpile emergency supplies, be prepared for possible power outages, avoid locations where there is a risk of trees falling due to the storm and, if possible, park cars in garages.