Brittany Lockley

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<p>A powerful early-March storm system unleashed a widespread severe weather outbreak across parts of the Plains and Midwest, producing tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail that left several communities dealing with significant destruction. The storms developed as warm, moisture-rich air surged north from the Gulf and collided with a strong cold front moving across the central United States. The combination of instability and strong wind shear created an environment favorable for intense thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-07 04-44-42-1772883932550.mkv" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Severe storms erupted across several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas,, and Illinois before tracking farther north into the Midwest and Great Lakes. Millions of people were placed under severe weather alerts as powerful thunderstorms developed along the advancing storm system. Some storms quickly intensified into supercells, capable of producing tornadoes and very large hail.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2030128965650694479" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2030128965650694479"></div><p>One of the hardest hit areas was southern Michigan, where tornadoes damaged homes and buildings and caused multiple fatalities. Emergency crews responded to widespread damage after storms tore through communities overnight, leaving debris scattered across neighborhoods and knocking out power to thousands. In addition to the tornado threat, storms produced destructive straight-line winds and hail large enough to cause damage to vehicles, roofs and windows.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2030093575778635918" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2030093575778635918"></div><p>Some of the storms produced hail larger than three inches in diameter along with wind gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour. Heavy rainfall also accompanied the storms, raising concerns for localized flooding in some areas.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-07 044225-1772883756529.png"></p><p>&nbsp;The outbreak is notable because it occurred relatively early in the severe weather season and impacted a broad portion of the country from the Southern Plains to the Great Lakes. As the storm system continues to push east, an additional round of strong to severe thunderstorms could develop in parts of the eastern United States before conditions gradually improve.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p>

Severe Weather Outbreak Brings Tornadoes and Destructive Storms to the Plains and Midwest

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Tracey Anthony

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<h1></h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2030033898915381363" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2030033898915381363?s=20"></div><h1>OVERNIGHT</h1><p>The overnight threat comes from a cold front sliding south. That should mean more numerous thunderstorms. It also means something else: a greater straight-line damaging wind threat. A significant Tornado, hail and wind threat exists. Meaning EF 2 or stronger tornadoes, 2" diameter hail and winds over 75+ mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772851442290.png"></p><h1>SATURDAY</h1><p>Friday night's storms continues to keep pushing eastward across the Ohio Valley and Mid South. Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail will be in the cards. However, Texas and Louisiana could see a few severe thunderstorms capable of producing very large hail over two inches. We will keep an eye on that. Heavy rain will be likely further south as the front stalls and more thunderstorms develop into next week!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772825978703.png"></p><p>Here is the forecast below. You will notice widespread showers and storms along the front moving east.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772851547291.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Have multiple ways to get severe weather warnings in the afternoon and evening hours. It wouldn't be a bad idea to brush up on your severe weather plan, either - check out what's going on with our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-awareness-week-2026">SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK</a></p>

Jesse Kelley

Millions under Severe Threat Friday & Saturday

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p><em>Top Image Credit: National Parks Service</em></p><p>Spring is fast approaching and so are blooms of flowers all across North America. This includes the famous cherry tree bloom around the National Mall in Washington D.C. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080027-1772810872599.png"></p><p>On Thursday March 5th, the National Park Service announced their projected date for the peak of cherry blossoms for 2026. The peak is expected around late March into early April (between the 31st and 2nd), but the forecast for the peak is generally difficult to make beyond ten days as blossoms will be impacted by weather conditions. Check back in for updates!</p><h2>What is "peak bloom?"</h2><p>The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, one of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/types-of-trees.htm"><strong><u>many types of cherry trees</u></strong></a> in the area. Peak bloom usually lasts for several days with the blooms taking <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm"><strong><u>about two to three weeks to reach peak</u></strong></a> after the appearance of green buds. As buds begin to appear, the forecast peak date will be updated by National Park Service horticulturists. </p><h2>Past Blooms</h2><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-06 080035-1772811048593.png"><br>Due to variable weather conditions, peak bloom has occurred as early as March 15th (1990) and as late as April 18th (1958).</p><p>Visiting the blossoming cherry trees has become a favorite springtime tradition for Americans and tourists alike, dating back to 1912 when Japan gifted the U.S. about 3,000 cherry trees. The cherry trees in Japan have been putting on a show for thousands of years, with the dates of blooms being <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/date-of-the-peak-cherry-tree-blossom-in-kyoto"><strong><u>recorded all the way back to the 9th century</u></strong></a>. The dates for this year's peak blooms in Japan are expected from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/"><strong><u>late March through late April</u></strong></a> from north to south across the nation.</p>

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released For 2026

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<p>Now that we've entered Meteorological Spring, many out west have been feeling more like Summer with temperatures soaring into the 90's. Numerous records have fallen out east for Friday. More records will fall through the rest of the week and the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772854131866.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1png-1772854022901.png"></p><p>An upper-level ridge that won't leave us alone is sliding to the east this week. That will keep the tranquil weather nearby and push temperatures into record territory.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772854071827.png"></p><p></p><p>The potential for record-breaking temperatures shifts east as we head through the weekend. Over 100 locations could potentially break or tie records!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/AAA_WEB2-1772804854346.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2029685892449796103" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2029685892449796103"></div><p>It's already warm in the southeast, with highs soaring into the upper 70's and low 80's. We'll creep closer to record territory as the week progresses, with numerous highs falling from Thursday through Saturday. Some of that will spill into the Ohio River Valley as well, with highs at least 15° warmer than normal.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772854177977.png"></p><p>Tune in to WeatherNation for the very latest on your forecast, every hour.</p>

Record Heat Rolls East This Week

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p><strong>WeatherNation</strong> wants to make sure you are prepared ahead of the upcoming severe weather season. We are tackling a different topic each day so you know exactly what to expect this Spring and beyond. From forecasting science to prep and safety, we've got you covered!</p><h1>MONDAY- Prep &amp; Safety</h1><p>We kicked off Severe Weather Awareness Week this year, preparing you and your household from the jump. Take some of these tips and practice them, either mentally or physically, so you know how to respond when severe weather rolls in.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-01 072939-1772375395902.jpg">When severe weather is in the forecast, WeatherNation and NWS Meteorologists will communicate the level and proximity of the threat through watches and warnings. A <strong><u>WATCH</u></strong> is issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather development and you should have a safe place ready. A <strong><u>WARNING </u></strong>is issued when severe weather is happening or imminent. If a warning is issued, it's time to take shelter immediately!</p><p>Some people rely on outdoor warning sirens to alert them when a tornado is near, but that technology is old and it is only meant to be heard out side. Meteorologist Tracey Anthony walks us through the ways to get warnings and why it's important to have multiple.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0pCyaGmExZY" start="0"></iframe></div><p><span style="color: black">A tornado warning can be issued with only moments to get to safety. Are you and your family prepared to take action at home? Meteorologist Brittany Lockley helps us know what to do when tornadoes threaten.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OwcE5yVyXWY" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>TUESDAY- Tornadoes</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">According to </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado"><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">NOAA</span></a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">a tornado is defined as "a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground." Tornadoes can happen any time, any day, any where. But </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">the strength of a tornado can only be determined by the damage it leaves behind. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford takes you through how the Enhanced Fujita scale used to rate the intensity of a tornado.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x8FJyKgaMZU" start="0"></iframe></div><p><br><span style="color: black">Wind shear, or a change in wind speed or direction with height, is a crucial part of severe thunderstorm and tornado development. Meteorologist Adrian Hernandez explains.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dAjPrBL2wt4" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>WEDNESDAY- Wind &amp; Hail</h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2027466264336101422" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2027466264336101422"></div><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">A thunderstorm must produce a tornado, wind gusts greater than 58 mph or hail an inch in diameter to be considered severe. Severe wind gusts can be strong enough to as much damage as a low level tornado. Large hail is frequently the most damaging and costliest part of a severe thunderstorm. Meteorologist Alana Cameron breaks it down the impacts of large hail by the numbers.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I5zY_9J6u0E" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>THURSDAY- Thunderstorms</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Thunderstorms bring a multitude of threats, like lightning, wind, hail, flooding, and tornadoes. But not all thunderstorms are created equal. Meteorologist Jackie Brown outlines how differing storm intensities are communicated different ways during the storm.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bf4M2nTlC08" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>FRIDAY- Forecasting</h1><p><span style="color: black">Severe weather can happen anywhere, anytime. However, it's most common in the spring and summer months. Do you know why? Meteorologist Kevin Schneider explains the factors that go into severe weather season.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0QdkPMKiGSg" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>SATURDAY- Flooding</h1><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13)">Flooding is not part of what makes a thunderstorm considered severe, but it is still one of the deadliest parts of a thunderstorm. With several different ways water can rise quickly, it's important to know your risk. Areal flooding can happen slower, over time. While flash flooding can surround your car in an instant. Curious about different types of flooding? Meteorologist Kevin Schneider covers the basics so you can stay safe.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jDGNvxjDW8" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1 style="text-align: center">BONUS- WeatherNation Takes YOU to the 2026 National Storm Chaser Summit!</h1><p>The 2026 National Storm Chaser Summit near&nbsp;Denver was where the brightest minds in storm chasing and meteorology came together to advance the science, education, and early warning ability ahead of severe weather. WeatherNation was there to take you into the action!</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qHfN7EaR0Ag" start="0"></iframe></div><p>Ever wanted to try your hand at storm chasing? Well, now you can learn and train from the comfort and safety of your own home. Meteorologist Dave Holder spoke with the creators of 'OUTBRK', the storm chasing game.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EHXDkjW5TA" start="0"></iframe></div>

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026

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<p>Another round of wintry weather is taking aim at the Northeast once again. This time the impacts will be primarily from sleet and freezing rain, with some snow mixing in as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772767202842.png"></p><p>Winter weather alerts have been issued through Friday morning for a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Freezing rain could top three tenths of an inch in some areas, leading to power outages.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/New Baron Video 3-1772767419786.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Sleet will be the more widespread freezing precipitation type, but freezing rai could target a few areas as well, notably higher elevation locations like the Worcester Hills, Berkshires, and Catskills.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772767452002.png"></p><p>Snow should be on the lighter side, but a quick burst of Northeast winds Friday morning could lead to an hour or two of heavy snowfall rates. While the snow falls, expect roads to get slick very quickly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/1-1772767488871.png"></p><p>Across most of the Northeast, however, heavy rainfall is expected with our next system. Warmer temperatures will favor some of these high rainfall totals by the end of the work week. The heaviest totals we're seeing will likely reside across the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic region.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 174250-1772671382238.png">It has been a snowy and cold winter across the Northeast. Check out some of the current snow totals for the season in comparison to what is normal for the season!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-02 084520-1772466352663.png">More details can be found during your Eastern Regional Forecast, :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p><p></p>

Northeast: Snow & Ice Winds Down, Heavy Rain Ahead

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Kevin Schneider

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<p>Storms rumbled through the Plains early Wednesday. The strongest storms kicked out hailstones 1-2 inches in diameter on Wednesday morning! That will be an appetizer for the severe threat unfolding for the rest of the week! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 073957-1772635438778.png"></p><h1>Outlooks</h1><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a SLIGHT risk for severe storms overnight with a threat for some tornadoes. This risk extends from Texas to the Ozarks to the Ohio River Valley. The threat of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and a tornado or two is possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 143331-1772660037853.png">Through tonight, the tornado threat is a little higher in northern Arkansas and into Missouri through the Ozarks.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot 2026-03-04 143344-1772660061804.png"></p><h1>Timing</h1><p>Overnight, we still see storms around. Please have multiple ways to get alerts, as all threats, including tornadoes. As we head into Thursday, spots like Oklahoma and Arkansas will have storms around to start your day.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/03/ovas-1772677716837.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p></p><p></p>

Jackie Brown

Severe Chances Ride Along Front Tonight

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A state of disaster has been declared in American Samoa Friday after Tropical Storm Gita tore through the island.

American Samoa is an American territory that faced extensive damage after tropical storm conditions hit Friday.

https://twitter.com/iCyclone/status/962164443760140289

https://twitter.com/SitaLeota/status/962066683757129729

https://twitter.com/tmarki/status/962081990974435328

Samoan government report their focus on rescue and evacuation efforts in the wake of Gita.

https://twitter.com/ladypalamo/status/962049026911694854

Power was knocked out Friday forcing schools and businesses to close. The National Weather Service in Hawaii had to take over operations for the National Weather Service in Pago Pago after losing power, issuing warnings and forecasts.

American Samoa's governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, said it's likely the territory will ask for assistance from the United States.

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Nick Merianos

U.S. Territory Declares State of Disaster in Wake of Cyclone Gita

Severe Weather Outbreak Brings Tornadoes and Destructive Storms to the Plains and Midwest

A powerful early-March storm system unleashed

Millions under Severe Threat Friday & Saturday

OVERNIGHTThe overnight threat comes from a co

Peak Cherry Blossom Forecast Released For 2026

Top Image Credit: National Parks ServiceSprin

Record Heat Rolls East This Week

Now that we've entered Meteorological Spring,

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026

WeatherNation wants to make sure you are prep

Northeast: Snow & Ice Winds Down, Heavy Rain Ahead

Another round of wintry weather is taking aim

Severe Chances Ride Along Front Tonight

Storms rumbled through the Plains early Wedne