Severe Storms Continue to Threaten the Midwest and Plains

Wed Apr 15 2026 15:39:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Following extensive damage from recent storms, forecasters alert that more severe weather, including tornadoes and massive hail, is potentially on the way. As communities begin cleanup, authorities rush to assess the damage.

In the aftermath of severe storms that ravaged the Midwest and Plains, including tornado touchdowns and damaging hail, forecasters predict more severe weather for Tuesday, prompting concern among residents still recovering. Damage assessments are underway as injuries are reported but no fatalities. Power outages are widespread, with over 25,000 customers without electricity in Wisconsin alone.

OTTAWA, Kan. (AP) — A day after fierce storms swept through the Plains and Midwest, forecasters have issued a warning for more severe weather, potentially bringing giant hail, tornadoes, and damaging wind gusts by Tuesday afternoon and evening.

In Kansas, reports indicated several minor injuries as storms tore through the area on Monday. Particularly, three individuals sustained minor injuries in Franklin County, approximately 50 miles southwest of Kansas City. Meanwhile, Ottawa officials confirmed structural damage with no loss of life.

A team from the National Weather Service is scheduled to survey the Ottawa region to ascertain the presence of a tornado, according to meteorologist Chelsea Picha from the Topeka office.

In nearby Miami County, injuries were reported and several homes suffered destruction, alongside overturned recreational vehicles. As cleanup continues, power lines remain non-operational in parts of Hillsdale.

Three tornadoes were confirmed in southern Minnesota, with reports of hail the size of baseballs damaging vehicles. Meteorologist Jake Beitlich noted that agricultural damage was also reported.

Further north in Wisconsin, a tornado was noted near Gilman, although damages were reported as minimal. A manufactured home in Steuben lost part of its roof, but thankfully, no injuries were recorded.

With over 25,000 customers without power in Wisconsin alone, a number of schools were also closed due to outages. Forecasters anticipate significant rainfall leading to flooding in the Upper Great Lakes through the week. Additionally, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan declared a state of emergency related to elevated water levels caused by record snow and recent rain, intensifying struggles at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.