Severe Storms Strike Again: Hail, Tornadoes, and Flooding Expected

Tue Apr 14 2026 21:42:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

After severe storms wreaked havoc in the Plains and Midwest, forecasters are warning of more dangerous weather including giant hail and tornadoes. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant.

Communities across the Midwest are bracing for another wave of severe weather, just a day after storms caused injuries and significant damage. Various reports indicate injuries in Kansas, structural damage in Ottawa, and tornado sightings in Wisconsin. Power outages affect over 25,000 customers, especially around Madison. Forecasters predict flooding and hazardous conditions to continue throughout the week.

OTTAWA, Kan. (AP) — A day after severe storms damaged communities in the Plains and the Midwest, forecasters warned that storms could bring giant hail, tornadoes and severe wind gusts to the regions again on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Authorities in Kansas reported several people with minor injuries after storms passed through on Monday. Three people were left with minor injuries in rural Franklin County, about 50 miles southwest of Kansas City, according to the sheriff's office. In Ottawa, a city of about 13,000 people, officials said there was structural damage, but there were no deaths or injuries. Power lines and trees were damaged, as well as several businesses.

A National Weather Service survey team will assess damage in the Ottawa area on Tuesday to determine whether a tornado passed through there.

In neighboring Miami County, two people reported minor injuries, several homes were destroyed, and recreational vehicles and campers were overturned. Power lines were de-energized in Hillsdale until cleanup could be safely completed.

Three tornadoes touched down in southern Minnesota, where damage to farms was reported, and dangerous baseball-sized hail caused damage to vehicles.

In Wisconsin, a tornado caused minor damage near Gilman, with no injury reports. The storms also resulted in roof damage in southwestern Wisconsin.

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency due to flooding from record snowfall and recent rain. As many as 25,000 customers remain without power amid these severe weather threats.