Tornadoes, hail and high winds forecast to hit midwest and Mississippi valley

Severe weather is forecast to sweep across the mid-Mississippi Valley and Midwest

Two people were killed in the US Midwest on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as tornadoes spawned by intense "supercell" thunderstorms swept through northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana. The fatalities occurred in Lake Village, Indiana, where an elderly couple's home was destroyed. At least four tornadoes touched down, knocking down approximately 70 utility poles and rendering some roads impassable in Newton County, Indiana. Emergency responders rescued several residents. Parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio remained under tornado watch. This extreme weather event follows a previous week where tornadoes killed eight people in the US Midwest.

Tornadoes struck Illinois, Indiana, and Texas on Tuesday and overnight, causing damage and fatalities. The National Weather Service reported at least four tornado touchdowns in eastern Illinois, with damage extending into Indiana, where two deaths were confirmed in Lake Village. A tornado in Taylor County, Texas, brought high winds and large hail. Search and rescue efforts are underway in affected areas, with officials urging the public to stay away to allow first responders to work. The storms downed trees and power lines, overwhelming emergency services. Severe weather, including flooding, remains a threat for millions from Texas to Michigan.