Greetings from FOX Weather’s Daily Forecast. Today is Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Stay informed with the latest weather updates to kickstart your day. For a comprehensive overview of national, regional, and local weather conditions, tune in to the FOX Weather Update podcast at your convenience.
A powerful storm system is poised to unleash severe weather havoc in the Midwest today, affecting a vast area encompassing over 54 million individuals, including the cities of Chicago and Indianapolis. Severe thunderstorms are anticipated to develop by early to mid-afternoon, with concerns of damaging wind gusts, large hail, and possible tornadoes in the most intense cells.
Notably, there’s a heightened risk of significant tornado activity (EF-2 or stronger) just south of Chicago, spanning areas like Peoria and Champaign, Illinois. These regions face a level 3 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.
The same storm system causing severe weather in the Midwest is currently hammering Kansas and Nebraska with heavy snowfall and high winds. Reports of an 80-mph wind gust in Winona, Kansas, have led to Interstate closures in both states. Additionally, areas such as Peoria and Champaign, Illinois are under a level 3 out of 5 risk on NOAA’s severe thunderstorm risk scale.
While initial snow accumulations may be limited due to warm ground temperatures, road conditions are expected to worsen rapidly once an inch or more of snow blankets the region. Blowing snow and strong winds are likely to persist into the afternoon, exacerbating travel disruptions.
Furthermore, New Mexico witnessed a series of intense dust storms on Tuesday, resulting in near-zero visibility and multiple accidents along highways and interstates. In response, authorities closed a 101-mile stretch of Highway 54 due to hazardous driving conditions.
Lastly, a heartwarming story emerged from a tornado-stricken community where firefighter Josh Pate’s family miraculously survived the storm by seeking shelter in a closet and praying for protection. Pate credits their safety to divine intervention, emphasizing the power of faith in times of crisis.
For more intriguing stories, including the safe return of NASA’s Starliner astronauts and stunning lunar images captured by the Blue Ghost Moon lander, keep up with FOX Weather updates.
To access real-time weather forecasts and interactive radar maps, download the FOX Weather app or stream FOX Weather live on FOXWeather.com or your preferred streaming platform.
Original source: FOX Weather’s Daily Report: 54 million at Risk from Severe Storms as Blizzard Disrupts Travel
