Severe Storms and Tornadoes Damage Communities Across Plains and Midwest
Severe storms accompanied by tornadoes caused significant damage across the Plains and Midwest regions on Monday, April 13, 2026. Authorities in Kansas reported minor injuries in Franklin and Miami counties, where structural damage, destroyed homes, and overturned vehicles were observed. In Ottawa, Kansas, officials noted structural damage but no casualties, pending a National Weather Service assessment to confirm tornado activity. Southern Minnesota experienced three tornado touchdowns, resulting in farm damage and vehicle destruction from baseball-sized hail. In Wisconsin, a tornado near Gilman caused minor damage, while a manufactured home in Steuben lost its roof; no injuries were reported in the state. Forecasters warned of continued severe weather, including giant hail and strong winds, for Tuesday afternoon and evening. The disruption led to school closures in the Madison area. Emergency responders and meteorological teams are actively assessing the extent of the destruction and ensuring public safety as cleanup efforts begin in affected communities.
Wire timeline
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Damage Communities Across Plains and Midwest
Severe storms accompanied by tornadoes caused significant damage across the Plains and Midwest regions on Monday, April 13, 2026. Authorities in Kansas reported minor injuries in Franklin and Miami counties, where structural damage, destroyed homes, and overturned vehicles were observed. In Ottawa, Kansas, officials noted structural damage but no casualties, pending a National Weather Service assessment to confirm tornado activity. Southern Minnesota experienced three tornado touchdowns, resulting in farm damage and vehicle destruction from baseball-sized hail. In Wisconsin, a tornado near Gilman caused minor damage, while a manufactured home in Steuben lost its roof; no injuries were reported in the state. Forecasters warned of continued severe weather, including giant hail and strong winds, for Tuesday afternoon and evening. The disruption led to school closures in the Madison area. Emergency responders and meteorological teams are actively assessing the extent of the destruction and ensuring public safety as cleanup efforts begin in affected communities.
AP News