[REVISION HISTORY]

Severe storms and drought in the Midwest

Updated 8 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-12 18:31 UTC → 2026-09-01 21:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Weather patterns in the Upper Midwest have transitioned from ~~a period of~~ forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rain across the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa to a focus on severe storm hazards and significant drought conditions in Minnesota. Initial forecasts indicated a complex of storms capable of producing lightning, strong winds, and small hail, with some areas potentially experiencing hazy sunshine due to wildfire smoke. While these systems brought precipitation, Minnesota has faced ongoing dryness. Recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 89 percent of the state is abnormally dry, with 34 percent categorized in severe drought. As of August 10, 2026, the severe weather pattern ~~has~~ escalated into widespread destruction. A preliminary derecho and severe storms ~~have~~ battered the Midwest, leaving over 729,000 homes and businesses without electricity. Indiana and Ohio ~~have been~~ were among the hardest-hit states; in Indiana, NIPSCO reported approximately 273,900 outages caused by downed trees and poles. Casualties ~~have been reported as the storm system intensified. In addition to a suspected house explosion in Portage, Indiana,~~ were reported, including a 4-year-old boy ~~was~~ killed in Geneva Township, Indiana, when a tree fell onto a home. Tornado activity ~~has been~~ was confirmed in Cook and Will counties near Chicago, as well as in Delaware County, Iowa. ~~Flash flooding continues to pose~~ By September 1, 2026, the region faced renewed severe weather threats. The Storm Prediction Center issued a ~~threat across Indiana, Ohio,~~ ‘Slight Risk’ for Minnesota, Iowa, and ~~Kentucky,~~ South Dakota, with ~~flash flood watches remaining in effect. Other impacted areas include West Virginia, which saw nearly 28,000 customers lose power,~~ concerns regarding damaging winds, large hail, and ~~Maryland, which faced threats~~ the possibility of an isolated tornado. In South Dakota, wind gusts could reach 70 mph, while southern Minnesota faced potential for heavy ~~rain~~ rainfall exceeding one inch. An unsettled pattern of heat, humidity, and ~~damaging winds. Emergency crews are currently working~~ thunderstorms is expected to ~~clear debris and restore services.~~ persist.

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