Additional Coverage:
March Storm Set to Unleash Widespread Impacts Across the Nation
A significant March storm is currently developing, poised to bring a diverse range of severe weather conditions across the United States. From heavy snow and blizzard conditions in the Upper Midwest to severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes in the South and East, millions are bracing for disruptions.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect stretching from Montana eastward to Michigan, with targeted Blizzard Warnings issued for parts of South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Portions of Illinois and Nebraska are also under similar advisories.
Forecasters are warning of substantial snowfall and powerful winds, potentially reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service has cautioned that travel in affected areas could become impossible late Saturday and through Sunday.
Beyond the winter weather, over 100 million people are under various wind alerts, ranging from wind advisories to high wind warnings, indicating widespread gusty conditions.
The storm’s core is expected to intensify as it moves into the Upper Midwest through Saturday evening and overnight. Heavy snow is anticipated to develop from Minneapolis eastward into the Great Lakes region by Sunday morning.
Air travel has already been significantly impacted, with nearly 1,300 flights canceled proactively due to the impending weather. Approximately half of these cancellations are from Delta Airlines, which has adjusted its weekend schedule for Midwest airports, including its major hub in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Severe Weather Threat Intensifies
On the southern flank of this powerful system, a line of severe thunderstorms is projected to develop from Michigan down to Texas on Sunday afternoon and into the night. An “Enhanced” risk (Level 3 out of 5) for severe weather has been issued for parts of the Midwest on Sunday, spanning from Indianapolis to just north of Memphis.
Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern, though isolated tornadoes and large hail are also possible. Chicago residents could experience a dramatic shift, with thunderstorms on Sunday night potentially transitioning to snow and whiteout conditions by Monday.
As the storm progresses eastward on Monday, snow and strong winds will persist across the Great Lakes, while rounds of heavy rain and powerful winds move into the Northeast.
Further severe weather is expected along the East Coast on Monday, from the Florida Panhandle northward to Pennsylvania, late afternoon into the evening. An “Enhanced” risk (Level 3 out of 5) has been designated for parts of the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania, encompassing major cities such as Columbia, South Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Threats in these areas include damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for a few tornadoes.
By Monday, when the snow finally tapers off, a broad swath of 3 to 6 inches of snowfall is expected from Montana to the northern edges of Upstate New York. The heaviest accumulations are forecast from the Twin Cities eastward into the Great Lakes, where snowfall could be measured in feet rather than inches. Even areas not under a Blizzard Warning should anticipate blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility.