Severe Storms to Batter Central U.S. This Week

Tornadoes, hail, and heavy rain expected from Texas to New York

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A multi-day storm system will bring rounds of severe weather from the southern Plains into the Midwest and Ohio Valley through Friday, affecting more than 20 states and 60 million people. The strongest storms are expected late this week across parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, where organized supercells could produce large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Other areas from Texas to New York may also see severe storms, though coverage and intensity will generally be lower.

Why it matters

This severe weather outbreak has the potential to cause significant damage and disruption across a wide swath of the central United States. Residents in the affected regions should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if dangerous storms approach their area.

The details

The storm system will be fueled by a stalled front stretching from Texas into the upper Ohio Valley, which will act as a focus for repeated storm development. A stronger system emerging from the Rockies will also intensify the threat late in the week. On Wednesday, the greatest risk of severe weather will be from north Texas through eastern Oklahoma into Arkansas, southern Missouri and the lower Ohio Valley. By Thursday, the severe threat is forecast to shift westward into the western High Plains, from the Texas Panhandle to western Kansas. Friday carries the most significant severe threat, with an enhanced risk across Oklahoma, Kansas and western Missouri, where conditions favor organized supercells capable of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.

  • On Wednesday, March 4, the greatest threat of severe weather stretches from north Texas through eastern Oklahoma into Arkansas, southern Missouri and the lower Ohio Valley.
  • By Thursday, March 5, the severe weather focus shifts west into the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma and south-central Kansas.
  • Friday, March 6, carries the most significant severe threat of the week, with an enhanced risk across Oklahoma, Kansas and western Missouri.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

The national center that issues forecasts and warnings for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“An active early spring weather pattern will persist across the Continental U.S. through the end of the week.”

— Storm Prediction Center

“Some of the storms that develop may become strong to severe. A Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms is in place Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night from North Texas to the lower Ohio Valley.”

— Storm Prediction Center

“By Thursday into Thursday night, the severe threat is forecast to shift westward into the western High Plains, from the Texas Panhandle to western Kansas, as convection intensifies along the dryline ahead of an ejecting storm system emerging from the Rockies.”

— Storm Prediction Center

“Severe storms with large hail, severe wind gusts and tornadoes are expected on Friday and Friday night across parts of the southern and central Plains, northward into the lower to mid Missouri Valley.”

— Storm Prediction Center

What’s next

Residents in the affected regions should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if dangerous storms approach their area.

The takeaway

This severe weather outbreak has the potential to cause significant damage and disruption across a wide swath of the central United States, underscoring the importance of being prepared and staying vigilant during periods of heightened storm activity.