On April 19, forecasters said severe thunderstorms were a threat to parts of the middle and lower Mississippi Valley and the Southern Plains, and the risk could grow into Easter Sunday on April 20. The thunderstorms there could produce severe wind, hail and a few tornadoes, the weather service said.

More than 3 inches of rain are forecast to fall in parts of eight states through the weekend, including Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Texas and Michigan, potentially leading to flooding.

Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected this weekend, and there is a risk of severe storms Friday and Saturday evenings. Here's what to know.