Live Updates: Millions In Path Of Severe Storms, Tornado Threat
Live Updates: Millions In Path Of Severe Storms, Tornado Threat
Jenn Jordan Tue, March 10, 2026 at 10:38 PM UTC
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Severe storms are gearing up once again across parts of the Midwest and South, bringing the threat of strong tornadoes, very large hail and damaging winds to millions of people, some of whom are still recovering from dangerous weather last week.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 4 out of 5 risk, its highest so far this year, as it closely watches northern Illinois and northern Indiana.
We’re also keeping an eye on parts of Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio, including major cities like Chicago and Detroit. In Texas and parts of the southern Plains, we could see hail larger than golf balls as the night progresses.
Check out our full forecast here and track the threat here.
Follow along below for the latest updates as the situation unfolds:
(06:32 p.m. EDT) Tornadoes Spotted In Texas
Storm chasers in Texas have spotted twisters outside of Abilene, Texas.
Dramatic images posted to social media show dark clouds gathering from the storms.
(06:23 p.m. EDT) Grapefruit-Sized Hail Reported In Illinois
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
The tornado-warned severe storm near Pontiac, Illinois, is also creating very large hail. A storm report has come in that mentions that grapefruit-sized hail, or 4 inches in diameter, was reported in the area.
(06:10 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Issued For Northern Texas/Central Oklahoma
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
The second tornado watch of the Southern Plains (third overall) has been issued for parts of western North Texas and western and central Oklahoma until 11 p.m. CDT.
The main threats are hail 3.5 inches in diameter, gusts up to 80 mph and a few tornadoes.
Oklahoma City is the largest population in the tornado watch.
(06:00 p.m. EDT) Video Shows Tornado Spotted In Pontiac, Illinois
Video posted to social media shows a warned tornado dropping toward the ground in Pontiac, Illinois, just outside of Peoria.
(05:50 p.m. EDT) Tornado Warning Issued In Illinois
A Tornado Warning is in effect for northeastern Livingston County, Illinois. A storm near the city of Pontiac, moving east at 30 mph is showing tornadic rotation on radar and could produce golf-ball-size hail. Residents are urged to take shelter immediately.
(05:38 p.m. EDT) Flood Watch Issued For Chicago
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
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An underrated threat when dealing with severe weather is heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch, which includes the greater Chicago area, until late tonight.
The flood watch also includes neighboring portions of Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are possible in the heaviest storms, and any storms moving over the same area can quickly lead to flooding in urban areas. These areas have seen heavy rainfall in recent weeks, so it will not take much to cause flooding.
(05:12 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Issued South Of Chicago
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
A second tornado watch has been issued, specifically for parts of southeast Iowa, northern and central Illinois (excluding Chicago), far northwest Indiana and far northeastern Missouri.
The watch is in effect until 11 p.m. CDT and calls for a couple of intense tornadoes (EF2+), hail the size of large apples and gusts up to 75 mph.
Peoria, Illinois, is one of the larger cities in the tornado watch.
(04:56 p.m. EDT) What Is A Level 4 Severe Risk?
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
All of the headlines about this severe weather threat reference that it’s level 4 of 5, but just what exactly does this mean?
The Storm Prediction Center has a sort of criterion that they use for each level.
A level 4, also called a moderate risk, means widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous severe thunderstorms is likely.
This risk is uncommon, only issued an average of 11 to 12 days a year since 2019.
A level 4 of 5 threat is used when supercells are capable of producing strong tornadoes or long-lived squall lines that are expected to produce damaging winds.
(04:30 p.m. EDT) First Tornado Watch of the Night Issued For Central Texas
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
A tornado watch has been issued for part of central Texas until 10 p.m. CDT.
The main threats are a couple of intense tornadoes (EF2+), scattered wind gusts over 80 mph and hail potentially the size of softballs (4 inches in diameter).
Cities included in the watch are San Angelo and Abilene.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
