Severe Weather Outbreak Strikes Midwest, Leaving Damage and Casualties

CHICAGO, Illinois — A severe weather outbreak swept through the Midwest Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with tornado watches in effect across portions of Illinois and Indiana as damaging storms are forecasted until late evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for six counties in Illinois, including Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Livingston, and Will, as well as Benton and Newton counties in Indiana, valid until 9 p.m. Central Time. The storms are expected to cause significant thunderstorms leading to possible tornado development.

The severe weather threat is classified as Level 2 for much of the Chicago area, rising to Level 3 for the southwest suburbs. Conditions for severe thunderstorms could result in high winds, large hail, and flash flooding.

“We are anticipating damaging winds of up to 75 mph and the potential for isolated tornadoes to form,” said meteorologist Mark Strehl. “Residents should take shelter and prepare for possible interruptions to power and communications.”

The line of storms is expected to reach DeKalb from 3 to 5 p.m., the central Chicago metro area from 4 to 7 p.m., and northwest Indiana from 6 to 9 p.m.

A Wind Advisory is in effect, starting at 10 p.m. today, lasting until 7 a.m. Thursday. Following the storms, snow is forecasted to move in from the north, particularly affecting areas north of Interstate 80.

The National Weather Service is predicting a slushy accumulation of up to 3 inches in isolated areas before dawn, which may complicate Thursday morning commutes.

Farther south, a series of tornadoes were reported overnight in Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi, leading to multiple deaths and significant destruction. As of the latest reports, 34 fatalities have been attributed to the severe weather across six states.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced five additional weather-related fatalities this morning, with several individuals still unaccounted for. The governor declared a state of emergency to aid in recovery efforts.

In Cave City, Arkansas, an EF3 tornado left a path of destruction. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders emphasized the extensive damage, stating, “It’s hard to look at this level of devastation and not be heartbroken.”

The storm has affected power outages for over 234,000 utility customers in the region, with Missouri seeing the highest levels of disruptions. Officials are mobilizing resources across impacted states as recovery efforts begin.

“As the storm continues to move east, we are urging residents to remain alert and heed local warnings,” added the National Weather Service. “Conditions can change rapidly.”