As the United States approaches Election Day, forecasters are warning of major disruption in the central part of the country due to gusty storms and possible flooding. Despite ongoing drought conditions across the Plains and Midwest, AccuWeather has forecast that heavy rain and severe weather will have a major impact during the first part of the week.

The storm system moving through the region will bring much-needed rain to the drought-stricken Plains and Midwest, but will create dangerous conditions. Areas affected by multiple rounds of storms are at high risk of flooding as heavy rain is expected. Already dry soils, which have hardened due to lack of moisture, will have difficulty absorbing water, exacerbating the potential for flooding. Over the weekend and into the work week, severe weather conditions, including hail, damaging winds, flash flooding and even tornadoes, have affected parts of the central United States.

However, the election day forecast itself suggests a somewhat less serious threat. As millions of voters across the country head to the polls, the risk of extreme weather will be reduced. Even so, there will not be a drought throughout the country. “Those standing in line outdoors waiting to vote on Tuesday should be prepared for the threat of lightning and heavy downpours, which could extend from parts of Louisiana and Arkansas northeastward to the central Mississippi River Valley and the Midwest.” said Dan Pydynowski. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist.

Swing states like Wisconsin are expected to experience thunderstorms, although the threat of severe weather is lower to the east. In Michigan, voters can expect a cold, rainy day, but no thunderstorms are in the forecast. “Some localized rainfall could cause flooding on roads in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan,” Pydynowski added, urging voters to be cautious when traveling to polling stations, according to AccuWeather.

By the end of Election Day, many regions will have accumulated several inches of rain. Flash flooding remains a concern in areas expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, while places in a band stretching from southeastern Kansas and southwestern Missouri to northeastern and central Oklahoma could see up to 12 inches of rain.

Heavy rain and storms in key battleground states:

Meanwhile, CNN reported that a strong cold front is sweeping across the United States, bringing heavy rain and severe storms to crucial battleground states. The worst of the weather is affecting areas from east Texas to the Missouri-Illinois border, including cities like St Louis, where slow-moving storms have prompted flash flood warnings. In some areas, overnight rainfall has accumulated between 3 and 8 inches, creating life-threatening conditions for those in the storm’s path.

As the front moves east, it will continue to bring rain and storms, which could affect voters in much of the country. Heavy rain and flooding are expected to impact early morning voters, especially in states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Louisiana. In the past, these weather events have reduced voter turnout, and the possibility of flash flooding and dangerous road conditions may deter many people from heading to voting centers to cast their ballot.

Among the battleground states, Wisconsin is expected to experience the worst conditions. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level one of five severe storm threats for much of the state, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected. This could include isolated wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and the possibility of a brief tornado.