Deadly Midwest Tornadoes Prompt Warnings of More Severe Storms

Forecasters say over 70 million people could be at risk for dangerous weather this week

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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More severe storms are expected across a large section of the United States this week, with forecasters warning they could deliver all manner of severe weather — including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding — anywhere from the southern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast. The renewed threat of severe weather comes just days after a wave of storms swept from Texas to the Great Lakes on Friday, producing tornadoes that killed at least six people in Michigan and Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The Midwest has been hit hard by extreme weather in recent years, with tornadoes, floods, and other severe storms causing significant damage and loss of life. This latest round of storms could further impact communities that are still recovering from previous disasters, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience.

The details

On Sunday, the National Weather Service rated a tornado that struck Union City, Michigan on Friday as a three on the five point Enhanced Fujita scale, the earliest in the calendar year a tornado of that intensity has struck the state. Meteorologists say similar conditions are possible again on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in some of the same regions that experienced severe weather last week.

  • On Friday, a wave of storms swept from Texas to the Great Lakes, producing tornadoes that killed at least six people.
  • On Sunday, the National Weather Service rated the tornado that struck Union City, Michigan on Friday as a three on the five point Enhanced Fujita scale.

The players

Matt Mosier

A meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center.

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What they’re saying

“More severe storms are expected across a large section of the United States this week, with forecasters warning they could deliver all manner of severe weather — including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding — anywhere from the southern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast.”

— Matt Mosier, Meteorologist (The New York Times)

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue warnings as needed to help communities prepare for the potential severe storms.

The takeaway

The Midwest's vulnerability to extreme weather events underscores the need for proactive disaster planning and resilience efforts to protect lives and property. As climate change drives more frequent and intense storms, communities must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively.