Thu Mar 20 03:00:00 UTC 2025: **Midwest Battered by Severe Storms: Hail, High Winds, and Tornado Threats**

CHICAGO, IL – A powerful storm system swept across the Plains and Upper Midwest on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, bringing a barrage of severe weather including hail, high winds, and the threat of tornadoes. While not as devastating as last week’s outbreak, the system placed nearly 50 million people under a severe weather risk.

The hardest-hit area appeared to be Gary, Indiana, where 75 mph winds caused substantial damage to homes and businesses, downed trees, and flooding. Residents reported seeing a funnel cloud. Emergency crews are on the scene assisting those affected.

Illinois also experienced significant impacts. Hail ranging from pea-sized to quarter-sized was reported across the state, notably impacting roadways along Interstate 72 and causing multiple accidents. A tornado was sighted near Stanford, Illinois, and several gustnadoes (dust swirls from strong winds) were also observed. Tornado warnings were issued for areas around Hammond, Indiana, and Chicago Heights.

Nebraska and Iowa also faced severe weather earlier in the day, with snow, blizzard conditions, thundersnow, and power outages reported. A 74 mph wind gust was recorded in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The FOX Forecast Center noted that while the event wasn’t record-breaking in scale, the widespread reports of severe weather underscore the system’s potency. The National Weather Service received numerous reports of hail from across Illinois.

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