Severe Storms and Tornadoes Damage Midwest Communities

Forecasters warn of more dangerous weather as recovery efforts begin

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and gold, with a dramatic, stormy sky dominating the scene and obscuring any visible structures or objects, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.The Midwest braces for another round of severe storms, as communities work to recover from the previous day's devastating tornadoes and flooding.La Crosse Today

A day after severe storms and tornadoes caused damage across the Plains and Midwest, forecasters are warning that the region could see another round of dangerous weather on Tuesday, including the potential for giant hail, tornadoes, and high winds. Several people suffered minor injuries, and authorities reported structural damage, downed power lines, and overturned vehicles in affected areas of Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Why it matters

The Midwest is no stranger to severe weather, but the back-to-back nature of these storms highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. The damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure underscores the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of such natural disasters.

The details

In Kansas, three people suffered minor injuries in Franklin County, while the town of Ottawa reported structural damage but no deaths or injuries. In neighboring Miami County, two people were injured, several homes were destroyed, and recreational vehicles were overturned. Three tornadoes touched down in southern Minnesota, causing damage to farms and reports of baseball-sized hail. A tornado also caused minor damage near Gilman, Wisconsin, and peeled the roof off a manufactured home in Steuben.

  • The severe storms passed through the region on Monday.
  • Forecasters warned that additional storms could bring more dangerous weather on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing warnings about severe weather events.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that reported several people with minor injuries after the storms in Kansas.

Ottawa, Kansas

A town that reported structural damage but no deaths or injuries from the severe storms.

Miami County, Kansas

A county where two people were injured, several homes were destroyed, and recreational vehicles were overturned.

Gilman, Wisconsin

A village where a tornado caused minor damage.

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What they’re saying

“A National Weather Service survey team will assess damage in the Ottawa area on Tuesday to determine whether a tornado passed through there.”

— Chelsea Picha, Meteorologist, National Weather Service Topeka

“There were also reports of baseball-sized hail that caused damage to vehicles in the area.”

— Jake Beitlich, Meteorologist, National Weather Service Twin Cities

What’s next

Forecasters warned of significant river and small stream flooding expected through the end of the week in the Upper Great Lakes, with the heaviest rainfall expected overnight into Wednesday, raising the risk of scattered flash flooding.

The takeaway

The severe storms and tornadoes that swept through the Midwest highlight the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. As communities work to recover from the latest round of damage, they must also focus on building resilience and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of future natural disasters.