The National Weather Service warned that strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across Colorado’s Front Range and eastern plains on Wednesday, with activity peaking from early afternoon through the evening. Forecast models show storms forming over the mountains around midday before moving east toward the Denver metro and I-25 corridor between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. MDT. Meteorologists placed the region under a Level 2 of 5 “slight” risk, citing large hail as the primary hazard, along with damaging straight-line winds, heavy downpours and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Similar conditions are anticipated across parts of the Midwest, where forecasters issued a Level 2 risk for metropolitan areas including Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids. Residents in both regions are urged to secure property, monitor weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter quickly if warnings are issued. Conditions are expected to improve in Colorado on Thursday, with warmer and drier weather returning by Friday.