Midwest Severe Weather Outbreaks
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, July 11, 2026, due to historic flash floods inundating central, south-central, and southeastern parts of the state, with 6 to 12 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. As of July 20, 2026, severe thunderstorms with an Enhanced Risk for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes impacted the Midwest and Great Lakes, extending to the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Earlier in July, severe storms caused widespread power outages for approximately 385,000 customers in Michigan and flash floods in the Midwest, following a significant bomb cyclone in March 2026 that brought blizzards, heavy snow, and tornadoes, causing over 1.1 million power outages and an EF1 tornado with 105 mph winds in Rector, Arkansas.
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July 2026 — 6 developments
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Midwest July 20-21 with Tornado, Hail, and Wind Threats
Severe thunderstorms impacted the Midwest and Great Lakes on July 20, 2026, with an Enhanced Risk for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. The threat extended to the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast on July 21, 2026, following earlier severe storms in the month.
Midwest Hit by Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Floods on July 12
Severe thunderstorms and flash floods impacted the Midwest on July 12, 2026, with heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and frequent lightning affecting cities like Chicago and Memphis. This follows a significant bomb cyclone event in March 2026 that brought blizzard conditions, heavy snow, and high winds to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions.
Heat Advisories Issued for Minnesota; Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kansas
A heat advisory is in effect for the Twin Cities and much of central Minnesota, with temperatures expected to reach the lower to middle 90s and heat indices climbing into the 95 to 100 degree range. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Wilson County and Sumner County in Kansas, indicating threats of quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Missouri Governor Declares State of Emergency Amidst Historic Flash Floods
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, July 11, 2026, due to historic flash floods inundating central, south-central, and southeastern parts of the state. The extreme rainfall, measuring 6 to 12 inches in less than 24 hours, overwhelmed rivers and communities, prompting hundreds of water rescues. Additional flooding is anticipated throughout the weekend, following a Flash Flood Emergency issued for southeast Missouri on Friday, July 10, 2026.
July 2026 Midwest Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages and Damage
Severe thunderstorms in early July 2026 caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and infrastructure damage across multiple Midwest states and parts of Ontario. Michigan alone experienced approximately 385,000 customer outages at its peak during this heat-driven storm event.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Widespread Disruptions, Power Outages, and Tornadoes Across Midwest
A powerful bomb cyclone impacted the Midwest and Great Lakes from March 14-16, 2026, causing widespread disruptions. Over 1.1 million Americans lost power, with some areas receiving up to 4 feet of snow. The storm's warm side also produced tornadoes in the Mississippi Valley and Mid-Atlantic.
March 2026 — 6 developments
Bomb Cyclone Causes Tornadoes, Power Outages, and Hazardous Travel in Midwest
Three tornadoes, including an EF1 with 98 mph winds, were confirmed in central and eastern Illinois. The bomb cyclone also caused over 114,000 power outages in Michigan, and hazardous travel conditions persist in the Midwest.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Record Snow in Green Bay, Power Outages Across Midwest
Green Bay, Wisconsin, recorded its snowiest day in 137 years on March 15, 2026, with 14.8 inches of snow. The bomb cyclone storm system caused blizzard conditions and wind gusts of 50-70 mph across the Midwest, leading to nearly 550,000 customers losing power across affected regions, including over 114,000 households in Michigan.
EF1 Tornado with 105 mph Winds Touches Down in Rector, Arkansas
An EF1 tornado with 105 mph winds touched down in Rector, Arkansas, as part of a severe weather outbreak on the warm side of a bomb cyclone. The storm system, which began around March 15, 2026, also brought blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes. Over 11,000 flights were delayed or canceled, and nearly 550,000 customers lost power across affected regions.
Winter Storm Iona brings blizzard conditions and significant snowfall to Midwest and Great Lakes
The March 2026 bomb cyclone, unofficially named Winter Storm Iona, brought blizzard conditions and significant snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions from March 14-17, 2026. It was rated a Category 5 on the Regional Snowfall Index, the first such rating since January 2016. Millions face severe weather threats on the storm's warm side, with potential for destructive winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
Bomb Cyclone Brings Blizzard Conditions, Heavy Snow, and Power Outages to Midwest
A powerful bomb cyclone has brought blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall exceeding 2 feet in some areas, and high winds to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages. Blizzard warnings were issued across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. The storm system rapidly intensified, meeting the criteria for a bomb cyclone due to a significant drop in atmospheric pressure.
Bomb Cyclone Triggers Blizzard Conditions Across Northeast and Midwest
A bomb cyclone caused blizzard conditions across the northern U.S. in late December 2025, bringing severe winter weather to the Midwest and targeting the East Coast with sharply colder air, strong winds, and a mix of snow, ice, and rain. In early March 2026, another bomb cyclone system triggered blizzard conditions across the Northeast and Midwest, with snowfall expected to exceed 15 inches and wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, leading to warnings of life-threatening travel disruptions and significant power outages.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Bomb Cyclone Causes Billions in Damages, Dozens of Deaths, and Record Cold in Southeast
The bomb cyclone caused an estimated $13-15 billion in damages, resulted in dozens of deaths, and brought record-breaking snow and bitter cold to the Southeast, including Florida, with cold temperatures expected to extend through mid-February.
January 2026 — 15 developments
Bomb Cyclone Intensifies Dangerous Cold Across Eastern and Central U.S.
A bomb cyclone is rapidly strengthening off the East Coast, intensifying dangerous cold across the eastern and central U.S. with temperatures expected to be 10 to 30 degrees colder than average, potentially lasting into early February.
Bomb Cyclone Brings Severe Winter Weather to Southeast and Massachusetts
A bomb cyclone is bringing severe winter weather to the Southeast, with significant snowfall, strong winds, and potential blizzard conditions expected in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Massachusetts is also bracing for the storm, anticipating heavy snowfall and coastal flooding.
Winter Storm Fern causes over 4,500 flight cancellations from major hubs
The bomb cyclone has been officially named 'Winter Storm Fern' and caused over 4,500 flight cancellations from major hubs like Chicago O'Hare.
Forecasters Monitor Potential for Second Powerful Storm to Impact East Coast
Forecasters are now monitoring the potential for another powerful storm to impact the East Coast soon, following the current massive winter storm. Weather models indicate a likelihood of this second strong storm.
Meteorologists forecast bomb cyclone to bring Arctic air and single-digit wind chills to Eastern Seaboard
Meteorologists are forecasting a true bomb cyclone along the Eastern Seaboard, which is expected to push Arctic air south and lead to single-digit wind-chill temperatures. This forecast comes as much of the U.S. begins to recover from the initial significant winter storm.
Winter Storm Knocks Out Power for Over 800,000 US Customers
The massive winter storm has resulted in over 800,000 customers losing power across the United States.
Massive Winter Storm Prompts Emergency Declarations in 16 States
At least 16 states have declared emergencies due to the massive winter storm. Parts of Missouri and Illinois recorded over 14 inches of snow, with Fredricktown, Missouri, being among the most affected areas.
Colossal Winter Storm Causes 13 Deaths, Drops Temperatures to -40F in Minnesota
A colossal winter storm has resulted in at least 13 reported deaths across the nation. Temperatures dropped to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Minnesota.
LaGuardia Airport cancels 93 percent of flights due to winter storm
LaGuardia Airport in New York City canceled 93 percent of its entire-day flight schedule due to the historic winter storm.
National Weather Service upgrades Winter Storm Fern to 'extreme' threat for over two dozen states
A new weather system, Winter Storm Fern, has been upgraded to an "extreme" threat by the National Weather Service, set to impact over two dozen states from Texas to the northeastern U.S. starting Friday. Midwestern states are preparing for widespread snow and life-threatening arctic cold.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Widespread Power Outages, High Winds, and Heavy Snow
The bomb cyclone produced wind speeds up to 116 mph in New Hampshire and several feet of snow in Michigan. Over 220,000 customers lost power across the affected regions.
National Weather Service confirms five tornadoes in Chicago warning area, including two EF1 twisters
The bomb cyclone produced significant wind gusts, reaching up to 79 mph at Buffalo airport and 70 mph in parts of Michigan and Indiana. The National Weather Service office in Chicago confirmed five tornadoes in their warning area on December 29, including two EF1 twisters.
Winter Storm Ezra brings record snowfall to Syracuse, triggers high wind alerts for 114 million in Northeast
Winter Storm Ezra brought record snowfall to Syracuse, New York, and triggered high wind alerts for 114 million people across the Northeast United States.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Widespread Power Outages Across Northern U.S. in Early 2026
The bomb cyclone's severe weather impacts, including widespread disruptions, extended into early January 2026 across the northern U.S. Power outages affected millions of customers.
Winter Storm Ezra cancels nearly 6,000 flights, drops over a foot of snow in Michigan
The bomb cyclone, Winter Storm Ezra, led to nearly 6,000 flight cancellations nationwide, a significant increase from earlier reports. Additionally, Michigan's Upper Peninsula received over a foot of snow.
December 2025 — 17 developments
Bomb Cyclone Brings Severe Winter Weather to Midwest, Heads East
An intensifying bomb cyclone has brought severe winter weather, including blizzards, treacherous travel conditions, and power outages, to the Midwest. The storm is now heading towards the East Coast after impacting parts of the Plains and Great Lakes regions. Millions experienced travel delays, and hundreds of flights were canceled.
Bomb Cyclone Causes 50-Car Pileup, Halts Traffic, and Brings Arctic Blast to Midwest
The bomb cyclone caused a 50-car pileup on I-75 in Detroit and halted traffic on Interstate 35 in Minnesota due to numerous accidents. It also brought significant ice accumulation, an Arctic blast, and dangerously cold wind chills reaching minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota.
Bomb cyclone causes blizzard, power outages; National Guard deployed in Minnesota, pileup in Detroit
A powerful bomb cyclone brought blizzard conditions, treacherous travel, and widespread power outages to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes on December 30, 2025. In Minnesota, the governor called in the National Guard to assist with the crisis response, and a 50-car pileup occurred on I-75 in Detroit, Michigan, with no injuries reported.
Bomb Cyclone, Winter Storm Bring Severe Weather to Midwest, 16 States
A bomb cyclone brought severe weather to the Midwest, including 60-mph winds and a 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop in 24 hours, with wind chills reaching -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Separately, a massive winter storm has prompted emergency declarations in 16 states and Washington D.C., impacting areas from the Rockies to the East Coast.
Winter Storm Ezra brings dangerous wind chills and heavy snow to North Dakota and Minnesota
The bomb cyclone, identified as Winter Storm Ezra, brought dangerous wind chills as low as minus 30°F to North Dakota and Minnesota, along with up to two feet of snow in affected areas.
Bomb Cyclone Targets East Coast After Bringing Blizzard Conditions to Plains and Great Lakes
After bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes, the bomb cyclone was setting its sights on the East Coast.
Bomb Cyclone Forces Cargo Ships to Seek Shelter from 20-Foot Waves on Lake Superior
Waves on Lake Superior were expected to reach 20 feet due to the bomb cyclone, compelling most cargo ships to seek shelter in harbors. This specific impact adds to the previously reported hazardous conditions.
Winter storm brings dangerous wind chills, power outages, and road closures to Midwest
Dangerous wind chills as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit were reported in North Dakota and Minnesota, with some areas experiencing a 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop. Over 350,000 customers nationwide lost power, and Interstate 35 in Iowa was closed for over 200 miles due to whiteout conditions.
Bomb Cyclone Causes 350,000 Power Outages Across US, Michigan Heavily Affected
A bomb cyclone impacted the Upper Midwest in December 2025, causing power outages for approximately 350,000 customers across the United States. Michigan was particularly affected, with a third of these outages occurring in the state.
Bomb Cyclone Paralyzes Marquette, Michigan, Stranding Vehicles and Toppling Trees
The bomb cyclone paralyzed Marquette, Michigan, with crippling blizzard conditions, and its pressure was equivalent to a Category 1/2 Hurricane. Dozens of vehicles and snowplows became stranded, and hundreds of trees were topped in the area.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Power Outages, Temperature Drops, and Tornadoes in Central U.S.
The bomb cyclone caused extensive power outages and temperatures to plummet by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the central U.S. Additionally, the storm produced seven tornadoes in parts of Illinois and Indiana.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Lake Erie Water Levels to Surge in East, Drop in West
Fierce winds from the bomb cyclone caused water to surge towards the eastern end of Lake Erie near Buffalo, New York, while simultaneously lowering water levels on the western end, exposing the lakebed.
Storm brings stronger winds, rain, snow, power outages, and flooding to Northeast
The storm continued its eastward track, bringing the threat of stronger winds, intensified rain and snowfall, widespread power outages, flash flooding, and perilous travel to the Northeast, with interior areas already seeing significant snowfall.
Winter Storm Impacts US, Canceling and Delaying Over 3,000 Flights
Heavy snow, blizzards, extreme cold, and damaging winds created hazardous conditions stretching from Montana east to Maine, and Texas north to Pennsylvania. Travel was severely impacted, with over 3,000 flights canceled or delayed across the US.
Bomb Cyclone Fuels Winter Storm Ezra with Blizzard Conditions Over Great Lakes
The bomb cyclone exploded over the Great Lakes, fueling Winter Storm Ezra with blizzard conditions and widespread travel disruptions. Blizzard conditions with near-hurricane-force winds were forecast around the Great Lakes.
Meteorologists warn of 'bomb cyclone' intensifying over Midwest and Great Lakes
Meteorologists warned that an arctic front clashing with warm air would rapidly intensify the system into a 'bomb cyclone' over the Midwest and Great Lakes through Monday. More than eight million people were under winter storm warnings, and nearly two million under blizzard warnings.
Winter storm causes power outages for 300,000 customers, notably in Michigan
The winter storm began to take shape over the Plains and Upper Midwest, with winds reportedly reaching over 60 mph and causing initial power outages for approximately 300,000 customers nationwide, notably in Michigan.
March 2019 — 2 developments
Bomb Cyclone Causes Deadly Flooding in Midwest, Governors Declare Emergencies
A bomb cyclone has caused severe flooding in the American Midwest, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. At least three people have died due to the flooding, with the situation expected to worsen in some regions. Governors in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin have declared states of emergency.
Bomb Cyclone Causes Widespread Damage, Flooding, and Deaths Across Midwest in March 2019
A "bomb cyclone" in March 2019 brought winds nearing 100 mph to the Midwest, causing widespread power outages and stranding vehicles. The storm resulted in blizzard conditions in parts of South Dakota, with up to 18 inches of snow. Severe flooding occurred in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin, forcing thousands to evacuate and leading to at least three deaths.