Dangerous thunderstorms with tornadoes and hail are moving across the central U.S. Late Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning.
Severe Storms Sweep Across Midwest
This notably strong tornado threat has led to the highest severe thunderstorm risk level in months being issued for parts of the Midwest. The storms continue from Texas to the Great Lakes region, leaving more than 60,000 customers without power, half of them in Texas.
The threats encompass the full spectrum of severe hazards: tornadoes, hail the size of baseballs or even grapefruits, destructive winds, and flash flooding. A level 4 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms is in effect for more than 2 million people in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, including Peoria and Bloomington, Illinois.
Earlier Tuesday night, the same supercell produced a brief tornado touchdown near Pontiac, Illinois. This tornadic supercell moved east for over two hours, crossing several towns from central Illinois into northern Indiana, ultimately triggering a Tornado Emergency – the highest level of tornado alert – in Knox, Indiana.
The storm too dropped hail exceeding 12.7 cm in diameter just south of Kankakee, which could set a new state record for Illinois. Storms also impacted Chicago, where half-dollar-sized hail fell, and the Kansas City metropolitan area reported hail up to 8.9 centimeters in diameter.
Further south, a tornado was observed near Dudley, Texas, and baseball-sized hail was reported in Buffalo Gap, Texas. Five tornado watches were in effect as of 7 p.m. Central Time Tuesday, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The tornado watches stretch from the border with Mexico to Michigan.
Although last week’s wave of storms brought multiple deadly tornadoes, this is the first time a severe thunderstorm alert of this level has been issued since July 28, 2025.
What’s Next?
These severe thunderstorms will move east overnight and extend into more areas of the Great Lakes, but will lose some strength toward morning. Powerful storms will still be present early Wednesday morning from the lower Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley, but a renewed threat will arrive in the afternoon.
A widespread level 2 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms will be in effect Wednesday for more than 55 million people from Texas and Louisiana to Pennsylvania. Destructive winds are the primary threat with any storms on Wednesday. Some tornadoes are forecast, especially in the lower Mississippi Valley and parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Widespread severe thunderstorms are not expected on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under a tornado watch?
Five tornado watches were in effect as of 7 p.m. Central Time Tuesday, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The watches stretch from the border with Mexico to Michigan.
What types of severe weather are expected?
The threats include tornadoes, hail the size of baseballs or even grapefruits, destructive winds, and flash flooding.
What is the highest level of alert issued?
A Tornado Emergency, the highest level of tornado alert, was issued in Knox, Indiana.
As these storms continue to develop, what steps can residents in affected areas take to ensure their safety?
