TORNADOES IN THE MIDWEST

Storm Snowfall Map 1

A potentially significant severe weather event is expected today across parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon and evening may become severe, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The greatest concern will be with any discrete supercell thunderstorms that can develop ahead of the main line of storms.

The severe weather threat may extend into the Chicago metropolitan area, where strong thunderstorms could produce damaging hail, intense wind gusts, and possibly tornadoes if storms are able to maintain rotation. Areas from Omaha through Des Moines and into northern Illinois should closely monitor weather conditions throughout the day.

As the evening progresses, individual thunderstorms are expected to merge into a larger squall line. This line of storms will then race eastward across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley overnight, bringing the threat of widespread damaging winds, frequent lightning, and torrential downpours.

Residents across the affected region should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared to act quickly if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued.