A powerful storm system brought snow, rain, and gusty winds to the Central U.S. on Monday, dashing hopes of an early spring for many. Parts of the country were still recovering from previous severe weather events, including the Northeast where tens of thousands were still without power due to a storm that coated parts of Maine in thick ice. The new storm was expected to bring strong winds, sleet, freezing rain, and snow from the Dakotas to the Gulf Coast through Tuesday. Residents in affected areas were warned of reduced visibility, blizzard conditions, and difficult travel.
Warnings and advisories for blizzard or winter storm conditions covered a large portion of the Central U.S., including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. The National Weather Service issued alerts for heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions in certain regions, with snow falling as fast as 2 inches per hour in northern parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The storm was expected to persist into Tuesday, potentially causing power outages, tree damage, and slippery roads.
Wind warnings and advisories were issued from Iowa to Appalachia and down to the Gulf Coast, with severe thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes affecting east Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley. Some areas in Oklahoma and Texas had already experienced strong storms with tornado warnings. The Twin Cities area in Minnesota, which had been hit by heavy snow on Sunday, was largely expected to be spared by the new storm. However, the state patrol reported numerous crashes, injuries, and fatalities, prompting school closures and flight cancellations in the region.
In South Dakota, traffic moved slowly along Interstate 29 due to slick conditions, although no fatal accidents were reported. Central Nebraska also faced treacherous road conditions with several inches of snow already fallen and more expected through Tuesday. Weather officials in south Texas warned of gusty, dry conditions that could lead to rapid fire spread. Parts of the Northeast, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, were also impacted by the storm, with significant snowfall causing power outages, tree damage, and car crashes. Repair crews worked to restore power to affected areas.
Meanwhile, areas farther inland experienced substantial snowfall, with measurements exceeding 2 feet in some regions. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, utility workers were optimistic about the weather outlook, with no extreme cold temperatures or rapid melting that could result in flooding. Skiing enthusiasts in areas like Bryant Pond, Maine, and Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, enjoyed the fluffy snowfall. Despite the disruptions caused by the storm, residents across the Central U.S. and the Northeast remained resilient, adapting to the challenging weather conditions with precautions and preparedness.
