Severe Storms Threaten Millions Across Central U.S. on Friday

Multi-day severe weather outbreak to bring risk of damaging hail, winds, and tornadoes

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A multi-day severe weather outbreak is underway across the Central U.S., with the greatest threat expected on Friday. Intense storms are forecast to target parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska, putting millions at risk. A dryline and strengthening low-level winds will create an environment ripe for supercell thunderstorms and an increased tornado threat, especially in the early evening hours. Very large to monster-sized hail, greater than 3 inches in diameter, is also a major concern.

Why it matters

This severe weather outbreak comes after an already memorable winter season, underscoring the active start to spring across the region. The threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail poses a significant risk to communities in the path of these storms, highlighting the importance of preparedness and safety measures.

The details

A sweeping cold front and dryline will interact with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to fuel the severe storm development on Friday. Low-level winds around 5,000 feet above the surface are expected to intensify, providing more lift and energy for the storms. This environment is ripe for the formation of supercell thunderstorms, which can produce tornadoes, damaging winds, and very large hail.

  • The severe storm threat is expected to ramp up on Friday evening and continue into early Saturday morning.
  • The greatest risk of tornadoes is forecast to be in the early evening hours on Friday, particularly in the area from Kansas City to Wichita to Oklahoma City.

The players

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC)

The federal agency responsible for issuing severe weather outlooks and forecasts, including the Level 3 out of 5 severe storm threat for parts of the Central U.S. on Friday.

FOX Forecast Center

The weather forecasting team at FOX Weather that provided additional analysis and insights into the severe weather setup, including the potential for strong tornadoes and very large hail.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The severe weather threat is expected to continue through the overnight hours and into early Saturday morning, with the potential for additional rounds of storms across the region.

The takeaway

This severe weather outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety measures for communities in the path of these storms. As spring weather patterns become more active, it is crucial for residents to stay vigilant and heed all weather warnings to protect themselves and their loved ones.