Tornadoes Are More Powerful Than We Realize

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Tornadoes, damaging hail and strong wind gusts accompanied severe storms in the Midwest in late February as a strong cold front sliced into unusually warm air that shattered temperature records.

(​MORE: Temperatures Set Records)

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Nine tornadoes were reported late on Feb. 27 to early on Feb. 28 in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. Multiple houses were damaged from a likely tornado near Springfield, Ohio early on Feb. 28. Damage to trees, power poles and fencing were reported near Sugar Grove, Illinois, on Feb. 27, due to a likely tornado. Two tornadoes were spotted in Waterman and Hinckley, Illinois.

There were numerous reports of hail Tuesday, with up to 2.5 inch diameter hail near Brownlee Park, Michigan. Damaging wind gusts were also reported with an 82 mph gust in Cook County, Illinois, Tuesday evening.

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W​hat Was Behind The Severe Threat

A​ powerful jet stream and strong low-pressure system moved through the central and eastern U.S.

Abnormally warm temperatures encompassed areas from the Plains to the East Coast ahead of this system. In addition, ample moisture surged northward from the Gulf of Mexico.

The combination of these ingredients was favorable for severe thunderstorms.

A​ severe threat in February is not unusual in the South but isn't common in areas farther north. However, given the record warmth expected early this week ahead of this strong system, the potential for severe thunderstorms will extend farther north than is typical.

Linda Lam is a lead meteorologist at weather.com. Growing up in Massachusetts, she developed a fascination for winter storms and hurricanes that led her to pursue a career in meteorology.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives.