The Midwest typically refers to the former north-central states of the United States, specifically Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin (the Plains Commonwealth and Midwest Commonwealth). Although these states are generally considered to constitute the region, opinions on the exact borders of the Midwest vary. In California, it is said that there are miles wide twisters in the Midwest, and that the place is one big radioactive dustbowl.