Severe Weather Warning Issued as 60 mph Winds, Large Hail and Tornadoes Approach Midwest: 'Be Ready to Act'

A significant severe weather threat is headed for the Great Lakes region Thursday afternoon, and forecasters are urging residents across a wide swath of the Midwest to prepare now.

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Weather Outlook Wednesday afternoon covering large portions of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The system is expected to produce large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, with storms arriving as early as 3 p.m. Thursday and tapering off around 9 p.m.

Outlook for Severe Weather in the Midwest

The southernmost tier of Michigan — stretching from Benton Harbor across to Metro Detroit — is under a Slight Risk for severe weather, as are large portions of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Areas further north, including Lansing and Flint, are at Marginal Risk. Forecasters noted Wednesday that the exact northern extent of the severe weather remains uncertain, meaning additional areas could be added to the risk zone as the storm system develops.

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes, are likely across the lower Great Lakes region on Thursday. The NWS Storm Prediction Center has the latest:https://t.co/uNjJpzhKuM pic.twitter.com/2XS1E2yNG6

— National Weather Service (@NWS) March 25, 2026

The NWS Detroit office said wind gusts could exceed 60 mph and hailstones could measure greater than 2 inches in diameter, roughly the size of a golf ball. There is low to medium potential for tornadoes and low potential for flash flooding across the affected areas.

"Be weather aware and ready to act," the National Weather Service warned.

Residents across the affected region are urged to monitor local forecasts closely Thursday morning and ensure they have a reliable way to receive weather alerts as conditions develop throughout the afternoon and evening. Those in the Slight Risk zone in particular should have a plan in place before storms arrive.