What a difference as state makes.

While strong autumn thunderstorms are looming in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, heavy is expected one state to the west.

The National Weather Service said the summerlike system will bring the potential for dangerous thunderstorms across the plains from Wisconsin to Oklahoma. The weather service is warning the weather could be severe in the Austin area. As the strong storm system lifts toward the upper midwest, heavy rains are likely along Interstate 90, which could cause localized flooding. Large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are also possible.

Other states in the path include Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. Even Texas could be impacted.

Meteorologists say this is the first time since at least 2000 that a storm this size in the region has been forecast in October a day in advance.

In South Dakota, as much as 30 inches of snow could fall in the Black Hills, and blizzard conditions are likely along the eastern slopes, with 12 inches or more possible on the plains.