Storms reach the East Coast Thursday, flooding fears in the South: Weather forecast

 The major storms that barreled across the Plains and Midwest this week will move east on Thursday, bringing downpours to a stretch of the country from New York to South Carolina.  

Storms are expected to weaken while moving toward the East Coast, coming after a tornado that slammed into Missouri on Wednesday caused at least five deaths. Tornadoes were also reported in nearby states, including Illinois and Iowa, less than a week after dozens of tornadoes impacted swaths of the Midwest and South.  

Potential flooding is also possible in parts of the South on Thursday, and a flood watch is in effect in parts of Texas and Louisiana. And further north, blizzard conditions that have been impacting the Dakotas and nearby areas are expected to taper off Thursday morning.

Here’s what you need to know.  

What defines a blizzard? Heavy snow and high winds expected to sweep across country.

What is a flash flood watch or warning?:Here's what to know about this deadly weather hazard

Severe storms reach the East Coast  

The storms that hit over the Plains and Midwest this week will move to the East Coast on Thursday, impacting areas from New York to the Carolinas, AccuWeather meteorologists warned.  

Threats from tornadoes will be much less likely on Thursday compared to earlier this week, but the storms are still expected to bring damage and disrupt travel in the area. Residents can expect downpours alongside hail and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.  

The states expected to be impacted Thursday include:  

• Delaware
• Maryland  
• New York
• North Carolina  
• New Jersey
• South Carolina   
• Virginia 
• West Virginia 

• Flooding fears in the Southeast  

  Flash flooding is possible in states from Texas to North Carolina in the coming days, according to AccuWeather.  Some areas could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, with showers expected into the weekend.  

  A flood watch is in effect through Saturday morning in parts of Louisiana and Texas. Runoff may cause rivers, streams and other low-lying areas to flood, the National Weather Service warned. Some parts of the region could see 4 to 8 inches of rain, with thunderstorms a threat into Saturday.  

• Blizzard conditions, wintry weather persists in Plains, Midwest  

  A blizzard warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday in parts of North Dakota. Though snow accumulations are only expected to reach 2 inches, winds could gust up to 50 mph. A winter weather advisory was also in effect Thursday morning in parts of Minnesota and South Dakota.  

  Further south, a freeze warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. in parts of Kansas, with sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 degrees in the forecast. The freezing conditions can kill crops, the National Weather Service warned, in addition to potentially damaging outdoor plumbing.