Severe Weather Threat Looms: Chicago and Midwest Cities Face Increased Risk of Tornadoes

A wave of severe thunderstorms is hitting the Midwest, stirred up by record-breaking heat. Large cities like Chicago and Nashville are now at risk as we reach the peak of tornado season.

On Wednesday, storms caused disruptions across the central US. Now, with threats extending into Thursday, millions in the Midwest face strong winds, hail, and even tornadoes that may be particularly intense.

This week is shaping up to be wild. After a recent calm, Friday could see a significant outbreak of severe storms.

So far, 2023 has been remarkably active for tornadoes, ranking as one of the busiest years. May usually brings the most tornadoes, and this year is already the third most active, trailing the record years of 2011 and last year.

The immediate forecast predicts storms forming over the north-central US. By Thursday evening, strong thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Midwest.

Over 20 million people from Minnesota to Indiana, including major cities like Minneapolis and Chicago, have been placed under a level 3 risk for severe thunderstorms, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, with storms expected to intensify as the day progresses. These storms could escalate quickly, potentially forming supercells—intense thunderstorms capable of producing significant tornadoes and damaging winds.

Storms will spread south and east, impacting the Ohio Valley as they move throughout the night.

Areas from Minneapolis to Chicago are most at risk of strong tornadoes rated EF2 or higher, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

This week’s sweltering heat has created the perfect conditions for these storms. Winds could gust up to 75 mph in parts of Michigan and Indiana, with hail expected to exceed egg size.

The Mid-Atlantic region may also face a separate severe threat. Days of rain in Virginia have already led to flooding, and additional storms could bring damaging winds and hail.

By Friday afternoon, a widespread severe threat could re-emerge, particularly impacting parts of Ohio and West Virginia. The National Weather Service has warned that this outbreak may result in damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes.

Forecasters initially worried that morning storms could lessen severe weather later on, but those concerns are fading. Conditions for intense storms are increasing, especially in parts of Missouri and Arkansas, where a line of thunderstorms is expected.

As storms gather strength and expand eastward, nighttime tornadoes pose a heightened risk. Studies show that these storms are nearly twice as deadly as those occurring during the day.

Saturday could see similar severe weather in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast as the front moves eastward. Storms may also threaten the southern Plains starting Saturday afternoon, with Oklahoma and Kansas likely to experience damaging conditions over the weekend.

As we navigate through this volatile weather period, the exact details of the risks will become clearer in the days ahead.

For more updates, check out the latest from the National Weather Service.

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