Forecasters Identify Worst Day of Severe Storms as 85 mph Winds Approach

The central United States is facing a multi-day risk of severe thunderstorms, affecting millions of people in the area.

Heavy rain, damaging winds, tornadoes, destructive hail and flooding are all potential risks for the affected areas.

“Severe weather threats this week will span more than 1,600 miles, from the Plains to the Great Lakes," AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said. “This is an especially concerning pattern because some communities may be hit by multiple rounds of storms."

These severe storms are forecast to affect two zones on Monday: the Midwest from South Dakota, Iowa and northern Illinois to Michigan, and a "more concentrated risk" of severe weather across Wisconsin and southern Minnesota.

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible in parts of the southern Plains, specifically Texas, and the Upper Great Lakes. Heavy mountain snow continues in California's Sierra Nevada and rain with gusty winds in lower elevations. Dry and breezy conditions will bring fire… pic.twitter.com/1LovBsKnJv

— National Weather Service (@NWS) April 12, 2026

While this severe weather spans multiple days, forecasters identify Tuesday as the highest risk day of the week.

The most "widespread and impactful" weather is forecast to "expand from Texas to the Great Lakes and into parts of Pennsylvania" on Tuesday, according to Accuweather.

"Thunderstorms from Texas to Michigan and northern Pennsylvania will be capable of producing destructive hail, isolated tornadoes and damaging wind gusts," Accuweather reports.

AccuWeather Local StormMax forecasts winds up to 85 mph.

AccuWeather meteorologists predict a "high" risk of severe weather in parts of the Midwest on Tuesday, including "areas just north and west of Chicago, and into eastern Iowa and southern Wisconsin."

"Strong storms may slow travel on highways, cause airport delays, and create ripple effects for businesses and commuters," Danco said.

“We’re moving into the heart of the spring severe weather season. Now is the time to review your safety plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, including alerts that can wake you up at night," Danco continued.

This severe weather is forecast to shift east on Wednesday, but many of the same areas will still be affected.