Winter Storm Warnings Evolve to 80 mph Winds, 'Damaging' Hail and Tornados Coming

The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to issue storm warnings for areas of the country heading into Sunday, March 8, as eye-popping tornado footage emerges from the Midwest.

While the Northeast and Midwest aren't seeing the winter storm warnings and snow they did just a few weeks ago, it's starting to feel like spring in the sense of strong spring storms, and the NWS has issued storm warnings and watches for parts of the Midwest and Northeast, with weather experts warning of a heightened threat of tornados, heavy rain and damaging winds.

Midwest and Northeast Looking at 'Downpours, Hail, Isolated Storms' and Increased Tornado Watches and Warnings

First it was the blizzard of 2026, and now, areas of the Northeast and Midwest are getting served with strong winds, thunderstorms and even tornados. Heading into Sunday, March 8, weather experts are warning of an active few days, with localized wind gusts up to 80 mph and the chance of downpouring rain and tornados. The winter storm warnings and watches comes just days before the first day of spring on March 20.

The states impacted include Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Indiana, according to the National Weather Service's official website, but neighboring states may also feel the impacts, depending on which direction the storm turns.

The meteorologists at AccuWeather also state that, according to their research, to expect "downpours, hail and isolated tornados" in the areas, as well as a StormMax wind total of 75 mph.

Also expect a warmup, with AccuWeather saying in a statement provided to Men's Journal, "Temperatures will climb 15-25 degrees above historical averages across parts of the Midwest and Northeast through the weekend." They add that, "Periods of rain or sporadic showers may accompany the warmup in parts of the Midwest and Northeast."

Knowing the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and Warning, According to Weather Experts

Do you know the difference between a tornado watch, warning and emergency? According to research from the NWS, a tornado watch means to "be prepared" and that "tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room."

A tornado warning means to take action and that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. "There is imminent danger to life and property," they note. "Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."

Finally, a tornado emergency means to seek shelter immediately. "A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service's highest alert level," they note. It's "issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible."