Severe Storms Impact Midwest and Plains with Tornadoes and Flooding
Severe Storms Impact Midwest and Plains with Tornadoes and Flooding
US · Published Apr 17, 2026
Severe storms impact Midwest and Plains with tornadoes, flooding, and giant hail.
Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin report storm damage; injuries in Kansas.
Michigan declares state of emergency due to flooding in Upper Great Lakes.
Severe weather: hail, tornadoes, strong wind gusts
Severe storms have caused widespread damage across the Midwest and Plains, with forecasters predicting continued threats of large hail, tornadoes, and strong wind gusts. In Kansas, injuries occurred in Ottawa, where structural damage was reported, prompting an investigation by the National Weather Service to determine if a tornado struck the area. Minnesota experienced three tornadoes, resulting in damage to farms and vehicles from baseball-sized hail. Wisconsin also reported a tornado near Gilman with minor damage. Significant river and stream flooding is expected in the Upper Great Lakes region due to heavy rainfall. Michigan's Governor declared a state of emergency at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex because of high water levels from recent rains and record snowfall.
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