The severe storm threat shifts eastward on Halloween after 90 mph winds hit Plains

MEMPHIS, Tenn – Strong storms with potentially damaging winds are forecast for Halloween, extending from northeast Texas to parts of the Ohio Valley.

Major cities including Memphis, Tennessee; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Ky.; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Little Rock, Arkansas, could face severe weather Thursday, potentially affecting nearly 12 million people.

This came following a series of severe storms that erupted across the Plains on Wednesday, bringing the region's most widespread severe weather since August. At least there were storms in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

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Damaging wind gusts were the main threat, with multiple reports of wind speeds exceeding 70 mph. A wind gust of 90 mph was recorded in Falls City, Nebraska. What's left of these severe storms is still ongoing Thursday morning.

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There will be a reduced threat of severe weather ahead of a cold front along a corridor from the Midwest to northeastern Texas and northern Louisiana. The strongest storms can produce some gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour.

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The FOX Forecast Center said the risk is expected to be greatest in the morning and afternoon hours. By late afternoon, upper-elevation winds will weaken, causing wind shear to decrease. Storms will follow, weakening in intensity and ending the threat of severe weather.