Millions at Risk as Severe Storms, Tornadoes Threaten Central U.S.

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The Central U.S. is bracing for another round of severe weather, including the potential for strong tornadoes, just days after a devastating tornado outbreak last week that left at least 8 people dead. More than 10 states are in the risk zone, placing millions of people in the potential path of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes that could reach EF-2 intensity or stronger.

Why it matters

The renewed severe weather threat comes as many communities are still recovering from the previous tornado outbreak, raising concerns about additional impacts if storms redevelop across the region. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the Heartland as they grapple with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

The details

An upper-level disturbance moving northeast from Mexico and a separate system across the northern U.S. are expected to interact, creating a broad warm sector across the region that can support strong thunderstorms. A narrow corridor in Illinois, Missouri, and central Texas is under a Level 3 out of 5 threat for severe weather, with the potential for multiple EF2+ tornadoes. The severe weather threat is expected to continue well into Tuesday night as a strong low-level jet develops, feeding warm, moist air into the storms.

• The severe weather outbreak occurred between Thursday, March 5, and Saturday, March 7.
• The renewed severe weather threat is expected on Tuesday, March 10.

What’s next

The FOX Forecast Center has highlighted several cities, including Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Quincy, and Chicago in Illinois, as well as Dallas, San Angelo, Indianapolis, and Oklahoma City, as being under the highest severe weather threats.