Chicago and Milwaukee Under Alert for Destructive Tornadoes and Hurricane-Force Winds

Chicago and Milwaukee on Alert

Hurricane-Force Wind Warning

Large Hail and Severe Thunderstorms Expected

The cities of Chicago and Milwaukee are under increasing threat of severe storms that could trigger strong tornadoes, large hail, and wind gusts comparable to hurricanes.

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has warned that more than 20 million people are at risk this Thursday across several Midwest states, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

This new wave of extreme weather comes after an unusually quiet stretch for this time of year, which is typically active in terms of storms and tornadoes.

The chances of storms have been steadily increasing since the weekend.

Giant Hail and Possible EF-2 Tornadoes in Chicago and Milwaukee

Chicago and Milwaukee On Alert for Tornadoes and Hurricane-Force Winds – Photo: Shutterstock

Meteorologists warn that atmospheric instability and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will create ideal conditions for severe storms.

Chicago and Milwaukee are located within a zone rated at level 3 out of 5 on the risk scale, which represents a significant threat.

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Cities like Madison, Fort Wayne, and St. Paul also share this same alert level for potentially destructive storms.

Throughout the day, severe thunderstorms are expected to develop, which could evolve into supercells capable of producing hail larger than 2 inches in diameter.

Threat Expands Through Friday

FOX’s Forecast Center indicated that the supercells may form a broken line of storms moving rapidly northeast, affecting densely populated areas.

“The tornado risk is not only real—some could reach EF-2 strength or higher,” warned a FOX Weather meteorologist.

After passing through Chicago and Milwaukee, the system will shift toward Michigan, where storms are expected to produce wind gusts over 75 miles per hour.

On Friday, the outlook doesn’t improve. The threat of severe weather increases, with at least 16 million people at risk in cities such as Indianapolis, St. Louis, Nashville, Louisville, and Cincinnati.

Northeast and Texas Also on Alert

The National Weather Service has also placed cities like Columbus, Little Rock, Huntsville, and Memphis under watch, where additional tornadoes and dangerous hailstorms may occur.

Storms could develop along a corridor stretching from Texas to the northeastern U.S., complicating forecasting and emergency response efforts.

On Saturday, attention will turn to the northeastern corridor of the country, where cities such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore have been placed at level 2 out of 5 threat level.

New York and Boston, while at lower risk, also face the possibility of severe storms and are under weather watch.

Prolonged Storm Risk into Next Week in the United States

Texas remains under threat, with the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area included among the zones at risk for Saturday.

Oklahoma City has also been marked with a moderate risk, with the potential for severe storms as the system continues moving east.

Long-range weather models show persistent severe weather for at least several more days in the United States, extending into next week.

FOX’s Forecast Center reported that a low-pressure system will form near the Rocky Mountains on Sunday, generating more storm activity in the Southern Plains.

That same day, new storms may emerge east of the dryline—a zone where moist air collides with much drier air—creating explosive conditions.

Given this extended threat, authorities urge the public to stay informed and be prepared to respond quickly in the event of tornadoes or other severe weather threats.

Schools, businesses, and residents in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee should pay close attention to weather alerts and have an emergency plan in place.

Severe weather not only poses a material threat but also a direct risk to life, especially in densely populated areas with vulnerable infrastructure, noted FOX Weather.