Severe Storms Threaten Tornadoes Across Eastern US on Monday

More than 12 million people at risk of damaging winds and strong twisters, including in Washington, D.C. area

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful weather system is expected to sweep across the Eastern United States on Monday, bringing the potential for widespread severe thunderstorms from Florida to New York. More than 12 million people across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic will be at risk of damaging wind gusts that could exceed 75 mph, and several strong tornadoes are also possible, according to forecasters.

Why it matters

The severe weather system comes after a recent string of chaotic and deadly storms across the region, raising concerns about public safety and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

The details

The area of greatest concern stretches from northern South Carolina northward into Maryland, with the primary threats being damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes. Some large hail is also possible, particularly farther south across the Carolinas and into parts of southern Georgia and northern Florida. The system is expected to begin moving offshore late Monday evening, gradually reducing the risk of severe weather into Tuesday.

  • The severe weather system swept over parts of the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys on Sunday, producing damaging winds and hail.
  • The system moved east of the Appalachian Mountains overnight, with stormy weather affecting a long band of the Eastern U.S. on Monday morning.
  • The peak of the severe storms is expected later in the day on Monday, from early afternoon through early evening.

The players

Evan Bentley

A meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“And the two primary threats will be damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes. But we are also really concerned about just how large of a population will be impacted.”

— Evan Bentley, Meteorologist

What’s next

The system is expected to begin moving offshore late Monday evening, gradually reducing the risk of severe weather into Tuesday.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme storms across the Eastern US, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of the growing threats posed by climate change.