Live Updates: Damaging Tornadoes Reported As Severe Storms Sweep Plains, Midwest
Live Updates: Damaging Tornadoes Reported As Severe Storms Sweep Plains, Midwest
Jenn Jordan Fri, March 6, 2026 at 11:42 PM UTC
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A new round of severe weather is ramping up tonight, making it a time to stay weather-aware. We’re keeping our eyes on a large swath of the Plains and Midwest, from north Texas up through Wisconsin and Michigan.
Forecasters expect a line of storms to bring large hail (some as big as tennis balls), damaging winds and even strong tornadoes. You can read our full forecast here and track the severe threat as it develops here.
All of this comes after more than two dozen severe weather reports across the same area last night, including at least one tornado that turned deadly in Oklahoma.
Our team of meteorologists is watching closely to see where things develop this evening.
We’ll be following it all live as the night unfolds, so check back often for the latest updates below:
(06:42 p.m. EST) Tornado Spotted In Oklahoma
Storm chaser footage shows an observed tornado on the ground near Bristow, Oklahoma.
The Tulsa metro area is at risk from this system.
(06:14 p.m. EST) Damage In Union City, Michigan
Multiple people were reportedly trapped after a large tornado tore through Union City, Michigan, causing significant damage and at least one partial building collapse.
Photos from a storm chaser show a devastating scene of destruction. The chaser said the damage was so severe they stopped tracking the storm to help residents.
The area’s tornado warning has now expired.
(05:51 p.m. EST) An Increase In March Tornadoes
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
In recent years, March has become the peak time for severe weather across the U.S.
In 2025, there were 300 tornado reports in the month of March, according to data from the Storm Prediction Center. This number isn’t final, but it is significantly higher than any other March on record.
Early analysis shows the locations of all tornadoes reported throughout the month of March 2025.
Three of the last four Marches have also had more than 200 tornadoes, with March 2022 holding the current confirmed highest record. The year 2023 wasn’t far behind with 204.
(05:31 p.m. EST) Surveys Underway On Thursday’s Tornadoes
Teams with the National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma are working through damage assessments after several tornadoes touched down Thursday across the state.
So far, three tornadoes have been preliminarily rated:
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An EF2 tornado in Fairview, Oklahoma, where the strongest damage was found along U.S. 60
An EF1 that moved from near Orienta, Oklahoma to near Cleo Springs, Oklahoma
An EF2 tornado that began outside of Helena, Oklahoma and moved toward Jet, Oklahoma (though that portion of the track is still being surveyed)
A fourth tornado is believed to have occurred in Grant County, Oklahoma, but survey teams haven’t yet reached the site.
(05:18 p.m. EST) Frightening Reports From Michigan
We’re seeing a surge of photos and videos coming out of southern Michigan as multiple tornado reports roll in, with some showing dramatic damage.
There have also been early reports of injuries.
(05:01 p.m. EST) The Forecast Through Tonight
From meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
Today will be a day of transition. On Thursday evening, we saw supercells produce tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. By Saturday, we’ll be watching a squall line passing through the Midwest and South.
Today, we’ll be watching the storms progress from supercell thunderstorms in eastern parts of Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma to broken squall lines in Iowa, Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and northeast Texas.
(04:41 p.m. EST) Tornado Confirmed In Michigan
Our first tornado sighting of the evening comes from Three Rivers, Michigan, where storms moving along a warm front spun up at least one twister.
Our Jonathan Belles notes that temperatures in that area are running an unusual 30-35 degrees above average for this time of year.
Storm chasers and emergency officials report significant damage on the southwest side of town.
(04:28 p.m. EST) New Tornado Watch For Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa
From meteorologist Sara Tonks:
A new tornado watch has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center until 10 p.m. CST from central Kansas through southeastern Nebraska and into central Iowa, including Des Moines. The threats include tornadoes and a couple of intense tornadoes possible, large hail up to 2 inches in diameter and damaging winds up to 70 mph.
(04:17 p.m. EST) This System Has Already Proved Deadly
Severe storms from this system turned deadly last night when a tornado struck a vehicle near Fairview, Oklahoma.
Authorities say a mother and her teenage daughter were killed when the tornado hit their van while they were driving along State Highway 60.
Preliminary damage surveys indicate the tornado was an EF2.
Here’s everything else we know about the incident.
(04:06 p.m. EST) Tornado Watch Issued For Oklahoma, Texas
From meteorologist Sara Tonks
A tornado watch has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center until 10 p.m. CST in eastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas, including Dallas and Oklahoma City. The threats include tornadoes and a couple of intense tornadoes possible, large hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter and damaging winds up to 70 mph.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
