Storm to blast Midwest with strong winds, soaking rain into midweek

After rain and snow closed out the weekend, another potent storm is on track to slam into the midwestern U.S. through the middle of the week.

The same storm igniting severe weather across parts of the southern and midwestern U.S. early in the week will bring adverse weather to the Midwest in time for Election Day.

Rain and gusty winds will pick up into Tuesday from Minnesota to Ohio.

Early on Tuesday, heavy downpours could slow the morning commute and those heading to the polls throughout Michigan, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

While the system will be moving too quickly for widespread flooding to become a threat, localized flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas can occur.

Motorists should slow down and turn on their headlights in heavy rain and low visibility conditions, and should keep a close eye out for flooding or debris in roadways.

The worst of the rain will be long gone in the Midwest by Tuesday afternoon.

"However, gusty winds will persist much longer," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski. "The strongest winds and greatest concerns for power outages and tree damage is across the eastern Great Lakes Tuesday into Tuesday night."

There can be frequent gusts between 40 and 50 mph from Detroit to Cleveland to Buffalo, New York, and Toronto, Canada. Immediately downwind of the lakes, gusts can even reach 60 mph.

Much like Saturday's event in New England, this could lead to widespread instances of downed trees, power outages, property damage and travel delays.

Outdoor furniture and decorations should be moved inside or secured.

Downed trees and powerlines can lead to power outages and block roadways, making driving hazardous.

Windy conditions in combination with the rain could bring leaves down off of the trees. Wet leaves on sidewalks and roadways can create slippery conditions.

Gusty winds will not be confined to the eastern Great Lakes on Election Day. There can be windy conditions back to the Ohio Valley. Motorists may also feel the gusty winds tug on their vehicles around the Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin, areas.

Slowed travel in the way of airline and train delays can also ensue, due to both the rain and gusty winds.

A separate zone of blustery winds will whip through the Dakotas as snow drops southward.

Waves of progressively colder air will plunge into the Midwest in the wake of this storm for the second half of the week.

After staying in the 40s and even 50s F during the first half of the week, overnight temperatures will plummet into the 20s and 30s beginning on Wednesday night.

The waves of cold will bring the opportunity for snow in the nation's midsection later this week.

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