Weather News
Published March 22, 2026 1:28pm EDT

Severe storm risk increases across Eastern US as record heat wave fuels large hail and tornado potential

An upgraded Level 3 out of 5 severe storm risk has been issued for much of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and a small part of West Virginia.

By Olivia Stephens
Source FOX Weather

Severe storm threats increase across Ohio Valley as record heat fuels large hail and tornado potential

Record heat in the West is helping fuel severe storm threats across the Eastern U.S. this afternoon. Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats, with isolated tornadoes possible. An upgraded Level 3 out of 5 severe storm risk covers parts of the Ohio Valley. FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar walks us through what’s happening:

A fast-moving storm system is expected to sweep across the Eastern U.S. this afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain and the potential for severe weather through Monday.

A few tornadoes can’t be ruled out in the Ohio River Valley, though the FOX Forecast Center said large hail is currently the primary threat, accompanied by the potential for damaging winds.



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