Severe Storms Threaten Midwest with Tornadoes, Hail

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Forecasters are warning of a heightened risk of severe storms, including tornadoes and large hail, across parts of the Midwest on Tuesday. The Chicago area is under a low but unusual tornado threat for this time of year, with the potential for thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flooding.

Why it matters

This type of severe weather outbreak in early March is highly uncommon for the region, raising concerns about the potential impacts on public safety and infrastructure. The storms come just days after a previous wave of storms swept through the Midwest, producing tornadoes that killed at least six people.

The details

The National Weather Service office in Romeoville, Illinois, says the storms could deliver all manner of severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and flooding. The tornado risk in the Chicago area is only 2%, but any tornado threat this early in the year is considered unusual. Meteorologists say the level of instability in the atmosphere is more typical of late summer or early summer.

• The storms could occur as early as mid-afternoon on Tuesday, but are more likely in the late afternoon to early evening hours.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential severity and timing of the storms as they develop.