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Tornadoes and Hailstorms Slam Midwest, Disrupting Events and Damaging Homes

Climate and Weather

Business Honor
16 May, 2025

Severe thunderstorms sweep region, triggering tornado watches and weather alerts across multiple states.

A powerful outbreak of severe weather continues at the Midwest and Plains states, unleashing destructive tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds that have already caused significant property damage and disrupted major public events.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) placed parts of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota under a tornado watch as rotating storm systems advanced from west to east. A tornado that touched down in Swift County, Minnesota—damaged a residential home and a grain bin, though no injuries were reported.

In downtown Minneapolis, a looming dark cloud formation prompted an immediate tornado warning, sending residents and workers scrambling for shelter. Meanwhile, in Chicago, organizers delayed the opening of a highly anticipated Beyoncé concert at Soldier Field due to storm risks. Tornado watches were in effect for 17 counties in Illinois, including the greater Chicago metropolitan area and northwest Indiana.

According to forecasters, the severe weather will likely persist into the weekend, threatening cities including Nashville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, and St. Louis. Hail as large as golf balls and wind speeds exceeding 75 mph are expected, with a high risk of downed trees, power outages, and localized flooding.

The impact zone stretches across a broad area of the central United States and includes the tri-state junction of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, where conditions remain volatile.

Emergency services are on high alert and have been deployed across affected regions. Authorities are urging residents to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor local alerts for real-time updates.

As the storm front advances, communities are bracing for continued disruptions and potential damage. Meteorologists emphasize the importance of preparedness and situational awareness during this unpredictable period of spring storms.