Trending Now - Severe Storms Forecasted With Tornadoes and Hail Threats

WHO:

Kevin Doom, meteorologist with the National Weather Service

National Weather Service

WHAT:

Tornado Watches issued for the central United States

Severe storms expected to bring tornadoes and hail larger than 2 inches

Storms expected to produce damaging winds up to 70 mph

Rainfall could lead to widespread flooding in the Chicago area

CAPE values over 2,000 J/kg indicating high potential for severe weather

Tornado risk classified as "significantly lesser" in the Chicago metro area

WHERE:

Central United States, specifically the Mid-Mississippi Valley and Southern Plains

Chicago area, Illinois

West Texas

WHEN:

Severe storms expected to begin on March 10th, 2026, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Storms expected to linger into early March 11th, 2026

Temperatures in the Chicago area expected to drop from a high of 51 degrees to 41 degrees by 11 a.m. on March 10th, 2026

WHY:

A split-flow pattern in the jet stream causing two distinct storm areas

Interaction between a stalled front and a strengthening low-level jet creating unstable conditions

HOW:

High-octane moisture from the Gulf of America contributing to severe weather conditions

Dryline in Texas causing sharp boundaries between dry and humid air leading to severe storms

Meteorological tools like hodographs used to measure wind changes with height

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 01:26 UTC)

Tornado watches have been issued for the central United States, with severe storms expected to bring damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour and hail larger than 2 inches. Meteorologist Kevin Doom from the National Weather Service warns that rainfall could lead to widespread flooding in the Chicago area, although the tornado risk there is classified as "significantly lesser." The storms began on March 10 and are expected to linger into early March 11, fueled by a split-flow pattern in the jet stream and high-octane moisture from the Gulf of America.