Forecasters issue highest severe storm threat in months, and the tornado warning for millions is terrifying

Millions of people across parts of the Midwest are under the highest severe thunderstorm risk issued in months as a powerful storm system develops across the central United States. Meteorologists warn the setup could lead to a widespread outbreak of dangerous storms, including tornadoes, destructive hail, and damaging winds.

The developing system places more than 2 million people in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana under a Level 4 of 5 severe thunderstorm risk. Cities including Peoria and Bloomington fall within the zone where forecasters warn that multiple strong to intense tornadoes could form late Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The warning gained attention after details were reported by Yahoo News. The report citing the Storm Prediction Center’s concern, said that several tornadoes could reach EF2 or EF3 strength.

Forecasters warn of strong tornadoes and destructive hail

Meteorologists say EF2 and EF3 tornadoes can cause significant destruction, including leveling stories of well built homes and heavily damaging large structures. Supercell storms are also expected to produce extremely large hail, with some stones potentially reaching lime size or larger.

The Level 4 risk area marks the most serious severe weather outlook issued in months. The last time a forecast reached that level was on July 28, 2025.

Storms have already begun developing across Texas, Oklahoma, and northern Illinois. A tornado briefly touched down near Pontiac, Illinois, while areas near Buckingham, Illinois reported hail up to 5 inches in diameter, which could potentially set a new state record.

Large hail has also been reported near Kankakee, Illinois, where stones larger than baseballs were observed. Farther south, a tornado was spotted near Dudley, Texas, while Buffalo Gap reported baseball sized hail.

Four tornado watches remain in effect across portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. The broad threat zone comes as other national concerns, including rising gas prices, continue drawing attention.

The severe weather threat extends well beyond the highest risk area. From Texas to Michigan, strong storms capable of producing damaging wind, tornadoes, and destructive hail are possible.

Major metro areas including Dallas Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis could all see severe storms as the system intensifies. The Dallas Fort Worth region and southern Oklahoma sit within a Level 3 of 5 risk area where storms are expected to intensify by late afternoon or early evening.

In those areas, wind gusts over 70 mph and hail larger than baseballs are the main concerns, though strong tornadoes cannot be ruled out. That risk is unfolding as debate over Trump’s voting law continues in Washington.

Forecasters say storms will move east overnight into the Great Lakes region and gradually weaken by Wednesday morning. However, the severe weather threat is expected to redevelop later Wednesday as another round of storms forms across parts of the central and eastern United States.

A Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk for Wednesday stretches from Texas and Louisiana to Pennsylvania, impacting more than 55 million people. Damaging winds are expected to be the primary threat, though forecasters say a few tornadoes remain possible, especially in parts of the Lower Mississippi Valley, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.