WEATHER

Deadly Storms, Flooding Sweep Across US Midwest

Severe storms across the U.S. Midwest bring flooding, tornadoes, and a lightning-related death in Wisconsin.

By Bettye Hays — Weather

Last updated: April 17, 2026 12:00 am • 3 Min Read

Severe storms across the U.S. Midwest bring flooding, tornadoes, and a lightning-related death in Wisconsin.

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<h2>Storm Effects and Deadly Event</h2>

<p>After inflicting at least one death on Thursday when a man was reportedly struck by lightning in Wisconsin, storms raging across the center of the United States continued to bring rain and pose flooding hazards. When someone reported spotting the man on the ground on Wednesday night, police in Waukesha, west of Milwaukee, stated that the "area was experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by significant thunder and lightning." According to authorities, "preliminary information indicates the individual was struck by lightning while walking through the parking lot during the storm."</p>

<h2>Extensive Severe Weather Events</h2>

<p>From as far south as central Texas, a weather system that combines extremely humid air with a powerful jet stream has extended eastward across the Great Lakes and into the Midwest. According to Bill Bunting, a meteorologist with the weather service's Storm Prediction Center, the National Weather Service received over 1,100 reports of huge hail, gusts above 60 mph (96 kph), and tornadoes as part of the storm system from Monday through Wednesday. According to Bunting, teams were out on Thursday assessing the damage in order to pinpoint the precise number of tornadoes. For the majority of this week, the storms have been raging across several states, and they may last into the early weekend. According to Mark Gehring, a meteorologist with the Milwaukee weather service, "there has been a tremendous amount of lightning with these storms over the last few days." "In mid-April, we've had the summertime temperature and humidity for an entire week," he continued. We have significant rain almost every day in addition to a highly turbulent trend. Almost every day, there have been tornadoes and huge hail. According to Gehring, there have been five verified tornadoes in southern and central Wisconsin, but surveys may reveal more.</p>

<h2>Flooding, Emergency Procedures, and Community Reaction</h2>

<p>Along with lightning, hail, and tornadoes, the storms have delivered a lot of rain, and the weather service has issued numerous flood watches and warnings for several states. This week, workers in Cheboygan, Michigan, were frantically pumping water from a dam, even taking down floodgates to release pressure. Cheboygan County Sheriff Todd Ross stated that there weren't many people in the area, but some homeowners were instructed to pack a "go bag" with essential personal belongings. Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, declared emergencies in dozens of counties due to floods and other weather-related problems, saying, "We are in crisis mode now." The 1,000-person town of Bellaire in northern Michigan reported that its wastewater treatment system was overloaded, causing partially processed sewage to be dumped into nearby marshes. Residents were asked by the village to use less water at home. Carl Johnson, 59, lives on the western Michigan Muskegon River, which is rising quickly. He posted on Facebook to let people know that his boats were available to assist anyone in need. Residents of Newaygo County's flood plain beneath the Croton Dam were told to leave. "Everywhere, it's out of the banks. Johnson described the river as "really bad." The Croton Dam's owner, Consumers Energy, claimed the dam was physically sound, but Bruce Carlson, who lives behind it, described the water's roar as "deafening."</p>

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By Bettye Hays ✔

Weather

Meteorologist and columnist specializing in weather and climate reporting. She has contributed to several national newspapers and provides accurate forecasts and analysis on seasonal changes, rainfall...