10 US States on High Alert as Major Tornado Threat Looms

Millions advised to prepare for severe storms and potential tornado outbreak on Tuesday

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:04pm

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Millions of Americans have been advised to brace for a potential tornado outbreak anticipated on Tuesday. Weather experts have issued warnings about severe thunderstorms expected to hit from the southern Plains stretching to the southern Great Lakes area, with activity likely commencing between 4 PM and 6 PM CT. The states currently under threat include Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Tennessee.

Why it matters

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk, the second-highest level on the agency's five-tier scale, for the region, warning that conditions could support multiple strong to intense tornadoes. This could be the largest outbreak of severe weather so far this year, and tornadoes developing at night can be particularly dangerous as many people are asleep and less likely to receive warnings in time.

The details

According to the statement, 'All severe hazards are possible, including the risk for a few strong to intense tornadoes and very large hail.' AccuWeather advises residents throughout the risk zone to identify the safest shelters at their homes, workplaces, or schools in preparation for any tornado developments. Forecasters say a powerful low-level jet strengthening late in the afternoon and evening will combine with warm, moisture-rich air and strong wind shear to create a highly favorable environment for rotating supercell thunderstorms.

  • The severe thunderstorms are expected to hit from the southern Plains stretching to the southern Great Lakes area, with activity likely commencing between 4 PM and 6 PM CT on Tuesday.
  • The greatest risk for tornadoes is centered across northern and central Illinois, extending into northwest Indiana.

The players

Storm Prediction Center (SPC)

The government agency that issued the Moderate Risk warning for the region.

AccuWeather

The weather forecasting company that has advised residents to identify safe shelters in preparation for the severe weather.

Adam Douty

AccuWeather senior meteorologist who stated that 'This could be the largest outbreak of severe weather so far this year.'

Alex Sosnowski

AccuWeather meteorologist who warned that 'Regardless of whether or not the event will reach tornado outbreak proportions, all it takes is one tornado to strike a populated area, leading to multiple casualties.'

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What they’re saying

“All severe hazards are possible, including the risk for a few strong to intense tornadoes and very large hail.”

— Storm Prediction Center

“This could be the largest outbreak of severe weather so far this year.”

— Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

“Regardless of whether or not the event will reach tornado outbreak proportions, all it takes is one tornado to strike a populated area, leading to multiple casualties.”

— Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather meteorologist

What’s next

People living in the areas under threat are being urged to stay alert and make sure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially as storms could continue after dark.

The takeaway

This severe weather outbreak highlights the importance of being prepared for tornadoes, especially those that can develop at night when many people are asleep and less likely to receive warnings in time. Residents in the affected states should take the threat seriously and ensure they have a plan to seek shelter if necessary.