Thunderstorms target half of US. See which cities are at risk
Thunderstorms target half of US. See which cities are at risk
Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORKWed, April 1, 2026 at 4:31 PM UTC
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Since the start of spring, unsettled weather has been a regular visitor in the Plains and Midwest — and that pattern isn’t letting up anytime soon.
Thunderstorms are gearing up to roll through the Southern Plains and North Texas starting this afternoon. These areas are where the storms will really pack a punch, with the potential for large hail, gusty winds, and a few isolated tornadoes. Elsewhere, storms may pop up here and there, but they’ll be more scattered and less intense.
A national map shows more than 30 states with at least a chance of thunderstorms, highlighting just how widespread this system is. Thunder, heavy rain, hail and damaging winds are possible across the Plains, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast through early Thursday, April 2. A few tornadoes are possible.
The broad footprint of this weather pattern comes from multiple storm systems and fronts interacting across the country. One system pushing out of the Rockies and across the Plains will help fuel thunderstorms from Texas into the Midwest and Ohio Valley, while another frontal boundary and disturbance spreading into the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic will support scattered storms there.
Rain coming across the US and sever storms in Ohio Valley, Appalachians and more
NOAA’s climate outlook also points to above-normal precipitation across much of the Lower 48 early this week, which fits with the expected widespread thunderstorm chances.
"Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few tornadoes are likely across the southern and central Plains this afternoon and evening," the Storm Prediction Center wrote. "Strong to severe storms are also possible from parts of the Ohio Valley, central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic."
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Storm Prediction Center map shows risk levels of severe weather across the U.S. Wednesday, April 1, 2026.Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas: Which states and cities are at risk
Enhanced risk (level 3 of 5)
Northwest Texas, western and central Oklahoma, south-central Kansas
Cities: Oklahoma City, Wichita, Wichita Falls, Lawton, Edmond, OK
Slight risk (level 2 of 5)
Middle Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic
Cities: Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Tulsa, Cincinnati
Marginal risk (level 1 of 5)
Northern Plains through Upper Midwest into the Northeast
Cities: Philadelphia, Dallas, Columbus, Fort Worth, Arlington
"A broken line of storms is forecast to move across the area from west to east Wednesday evening and night," wrote the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. "The threat for strong to severe storms is highest near and west of the I-35 corridor. All severe hazards are possible with these storms, with the main threats being large hail and damaging winds. There is also a low threat for locally heavy rainfall."
Storm Prediction Center map shows thunderstorm chances from 8 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Storm Prediction Center map shows thunderstorm chances from midnight to 4 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026.When, where will severe storms hit?
Severe storms are set to hit the Southern Plains and North Texas, beginning this afternoon. These areas are expected to see the strongest storms, including large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. Outside this region, storms may occur but are more scattered and less intense.
North Texas: 9 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday — Early isolated supercells may produce large hail and gusty winds before merging into lines with stronger wind threats.
East Texas: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday — Scattered storms could bring gusty winds, hail and heavy rain as they move eastward.
Oklahoma: 4 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday — Strong to severe storms expected along the dryline and frontal boundaries, including isolated supercells and larger storm lines.
Southern Kansas: 4 p.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday — Severe storms likely, with gusty winds and hail possible as cells organize into lines.
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Rolling storm damage report
As storms move across the country, this interactive map lets you track impacts in real time. See where tornadoes touched down, hail sizes reported, trees knocked over and roads closed due to flooding.
Hover over each icon to view detailed reports from National Weather Service stations right in the strike zone.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tornadoes possible with some storms across the US today, Thursday
Source: “AOL Breaking”
