The Midwest has taken one on the chin this month from numerous attacks ofstrong to severe thunderstorms. The storms have produced tornadoes and powerfulstraight-line winds along with enough rain for some pretty serious flooding.Total damage to the area is being estimated in the hundreds of millions.

The heavy thunderstorms have been touched off by low pressure systems tapinginto hot, steamy air masses from the south.

The rainfall totals for the month shown below are at least twice what occursduring the month of July.

Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist John Kocet.