Central U.S. staggers from Erin's punches
82 mph wind, large hail and more rain likely as death toll reaches 20
RUSHFORD, Minn. - For millions across the central United States, it's not Hurricane Dean that's got them worried — at least not yet. It's the remnants of last week's Tropical Storm Erin, which continue to pound the region with floods, golf-ball sized hail and even hurricane-force winds that have left a death toll of at least 20.
To make matters worse, severe thunderstorms were in the forecast for parts of the central Plains and Midwest on Tuesday. "Some storms will be capable of strong winds to 65 mph, frequent lightning, large hail and isolated tornadoes," the forecasting service WeatherBank reported.
Parts of Wisconsin were under another flash flood watch Tuesday night and Wednesday, with a chance of rain through Friday.
