Severe Storm Threat Highest in Months for Midwest

Forecasters warn of potential for multiple strong to intense tornadoes, large hail, and destructive winds

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 4 of 5 severe thunderstorm risk for parts of the Midwest, including northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, where multiple strong to intense tornadoes (EF2 to EF3) and large hail are possible late Tuesday afternoon and evening. This is the highest severe storm threat the region has faced since July 2025. The threat will spread eastward overnight and continue on Wednesday, though with a lower Level 2 of 5 risk.

Why it matters

Tornadoes of this strength can cause catastrophic damage, destroying entire stories of well-built homes and causing significant damage to large buildings. This poses a serious threat to public safety in the affected areas, and the high risk level indicates the potential for a significant severe weather outbreak.

The details

The Level 4 of 5 risk zone covers an area with over 2 million people, including the cities of Peoria and Bloomington, Illinois. In addition to the tornado threat, the storms are also expected to produce lime-sized or larger hail, which can dent cars and damage roofs. The severe weather will track east overnight and spread into the Great Lakes region, though it will lose some intensity by Wednesday morning. Other major metro areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis, are also under threat of damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.

  • The severe thunderstorms are expected to develop by late Tuesday afternoon and evening in West Texas and track eastward.
  • The storms will continue to track east overnight and spread into the Great Lakes region, but will weaken somewhat by Wednesday morning.
  • A renewed threat of severe storms is expected on Wednesday, with a widespread Level 2 of 5 risk in place for over 55 million people from Texas and Louisiana to Pennsylvania.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

The government agency responsible for issuing severe weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

Mary Gilbert

A CNN meteorologist who contributed to the reporting on this severe weather event.

Chris Dolce

A CNN meteorologist who contributed to the reporting on this severe weather event.

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What they’re saying

“Although last week's outbreak had multiple deadly tornadoes, this is the first time a forecast for severe storms has been at this high of a level since July 28, 2025.”

— CNN meteorologists (krdo.com)

“This Level 4 of 5 risk zone is where 'multiple strong to intense tornadoes (EF2 to EF3)' could strike late this afternoon and evening, the Storm Prediction Center said. Tornadoes this strong can destroy entire stories of well-constructed homes and do significant damage to large buildings.”

— Storm Prediction Center (krdo.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This severe weather outbreak highlights the importance of being prepared and heeding weather warnings, as the potential for destructive tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds poses a serious threat to public safety in the affected areas. Residents should stay vigilant, monitor forecasts closely, and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their property.