Blizzards, strong winds and hazardous travel to hit the Midwest as the East Coast prepares for storms
Powerful thunderstorms, blizzard conditions and heavy snow are set to hit the Midwest and the Great Lakes regions Wednesday — while the East Coast faces heavy rain and thunderstorms as severe weather continues into early spring.
A major low pressure weather system is due to travel over the greater Chicago area Wednesday, before reaching Michigan's Upper Peninsula and moving onto Quebec by Thursday. The National Weather Service warned that blizzard conditions and winds of 40-60 mph are possible in these areas and from Kansas City to Iowa.
"This will lead to white-out conditions at times, thus causing hazardous driving conditions, " the weather service said, although conditions are expected to improve by Thursday.
The weather service office in Kansas City reported wind gusts of 70 mph early Wednesday and told residents to be prepared for possible power outages.
Blackouts are a strong possibility in many areas, with more than 445,000 energy customers already in the dark in the South and the Midwest, including more than 110,000 in Texas, according to PowerOutage.us.
Meanwhile, the East Coast could experience heavy rain and thunderstorms ahead of a new cold front. The weather service's Storm Prediction Center expects severe weather from near Jacksonville, Florida, to the mid-Atlantic on Wednesday, with the eastern Carolinas and southeast Virginia being the areas most at risk.
"The line of thunderstorms rolling through the East Coast will be moving very quickly; thunderstorms are not expected to last all day, but those that do form could be quite impactful," AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Duffus said.
Cities including Raleigh and Charleston could be affected — and while the rain may help combat the ongoing drought in the area, flooding and difficult driving conditions are possible.
California will be hit by its own storm system Wednesday too, with rain and snow expected in the Sierra Nevada through Thursday night. This moisture will affect the intermountain region Thursday and is expected to reach the Rockies by Thursday night into Friday morning.
It has been a tumultuous start to meteorological spring for much of the Lower 48, with wildfires in the Carolinas and widespread storms.
The weather service confirmed that a tornado measuring EF-1, meaning it had winds to up to 110 mph, hit the city of Lewisville, Texas, on Tuesday, causing damage to a warehouse.
Eyewitness Joseph Kelly told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth he saw the twister at about 5:45 a.m.
"I heard this really loud, extreme noise and I looked behind me and there's a little tiny tornado throwing debris up everywhere, it was literally behind my truck," he said. Kelly added that he had always wanted to see a tornado but isn't keen on being so near one again.
Authorities in Mississippi confirmed Tuesday night that two people died in the state because of an unspecified weather-related event. That news coincided with millions of tourists flocking to New Orleans to join Mardi Gras celebrations, amid warnings that many events could be canceled if the weather deteriorated.This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
One State Emerges From Drought for First Time in Six Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Record rainfall earlier this spring has lifted Oklahoma fully out of drought conditions for the first time in nearly six years. With showers and thunderstorms expected over the next week for much of the state, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Jennifer Thompson told Newsweek it will likely remain wetter than normal across the state for the foreseeable future. Why It Matters The abnormally wet spring saw climate sites across the state document record-breaking rainfall, with Oklahoma City experiencing its highest April rain total ever recorded. The wet pattern is continuing on Friday, with heavy rainfall posing myriad dangers to people across the state. As of Friday afternoon, multiple flood watches have been issued. Although more rain might further benefit Oklahoma's emergence from drought, NWS meteorologists warned that severe storms were possible Friday night. A stock photo of rainfall. A stock photo of rainfall. xphotoz/Getty What To Know On Thursday, the U.S. Drought Monitor Map released its weekly update, which included figures showing Oklahoma breaking its drought streak that began in July 2019. Although Oklahoma by far isn't the state hardest hit by drought, it has struggled with persistent moderate drought since summer 2019. Three months ago, more than a quarter of the state was classified as battling moderate drought. In that condition, Oklahoma noted difficulties such as hindered lake recreation; poor deer reproduction; falling water levels in seasonal creek and rain-fed ponds; reduced yield for summer crops; and an increased risk of wildfires. There is no drought reported across Oklahoma at the moment, although nearly 10 percent of the state is considered abnormally dry. Many of the challenges accompanying moderate drought conditions are lifted with abnormally dry conditions, although some crops might still be stressed and pond levels could be low. Although the Sooner State is now recovered from its years of drought, other U.S. states are still facing challenges. Exceptional drought, the most severe classification from the U.S. Drought Monitor, is in place for parts of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, with even more widespread documentation of severe and extreme drought. What People Are Saying A flood watch issued by the Norman, Oklahoma, NWS office: "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks." Drought Monitor Map said in a summary: "Additional rainfall this past week ended drought across Oklahoma and the Sooner State became drought-free for the first time since July 2019. The Lower Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley are also drought-free with 30 to 90-day precipitation averaging above normal." What Happens Next Most flood watches expire by Saturday afternoon. Oklahoma is anticipating slightly above normal precipitation in the immediate future, according to a six- to 10-day precipitation outlook published by the NWS Climate Prediction Center.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Weekend Wx: Mainly dry Saturday & STORMY on Sunday
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The weather this weekend across the ArkLaTex will begin with mainly dry weather on Saturday with some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far. Thunderstorms will increase over the area with a few waves Saturday and Sunday nights. Hot and Humid Saturday: While a few showers will be possible over the northern edge of the area on Saturday, most of the area will see plenty of sunshine with plenty of heat and humidity. Lows Saturday morning will begin in the low to middle 70s. Daytime highs will likely soar into the upper 80s to lower 90s over the northern edge of the area to the middle 90s over East Texas and Northwest Louisiana. Storms likely Saturday night & Sunday: Futurecast continues to show more thunderstorms developing to the northwest of the ArkLaTex late Saturday afternoon and evening. These storms will move into and through the area Saturday night and Sunday. Another, and possibly the strongest wave of storms, will move across the area on Sunday night and Monday morning. Our primary threat will be damaging winds and possibly some hail. An isolated tornado can't be ruled out. The Storm Prediction Center indicates that we will have a level 1 to level 2 severe weather risk Saturday night. That risk will be highest over the northern half of the area. They also indicate that the marginal to slight risk will continue on Sunday and will once again be highest over the northern half of the area. More storms next week: We will continue to see occasional waves of scattered storms in the ArkLaTex through ALL of next week. Given how warm and humid it will be, more severe weather will be possible. The Blend of Models now shows that 10-day rainfall potential in our area will be in the range of two to potentially over five inches. Overnight lows next week will remain above normal in the low to middle 70s. Daytime highs will be near normal and mainly in the 80s and low 90s. I will take a deeper dive into possible severe weather impacts in my Weather Worries article later this 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Update: Flash flood warning affecting 3 Massachusetts counties until Friday evening triggered by thunderstorms
On Friday at 5:05 p.m. an updated flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 8:15 p.m. for Franklin, Hampshire and Worcester counties. "At 5:05 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," states the weather service. "Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas." Locations impacted by the warning include Amherst, Greenfield, Orange, Deerfield, Belchertown, Athol, Winchendon, Montague, Templeton, Hadley, Sunderland, Hatfield, Northfield, Bernardston, Conway, Leverett, Erving, Shutesbury, Phillipston and Gill. The weather service states, "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles." Flash flood warning: Take action! A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Flood warning: Take action! A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway. Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn't guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists. In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver: Move to higher ground: If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground. Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it. Disconnect utilities and appliances: If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding. Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas: Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial. Swift evacuation for your safety: If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge. Refrain from walking in floodwaters: Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet. Seek higher ground when trapped: In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911. During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared. Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall: Beware of swollen waterways: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. Maintain safe driving distances: Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Flash flood warning: Take action! A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Flood warning: Take action! A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway. Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn't guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists. In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver: Move to higher ground: If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground. Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it. Disconnect utilities and appliances: If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding. Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas: Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial. Swift evacuation for your safety: If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge. Refrain from walking in floodwaters: Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet. Seek higher ground when trapped: In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911. During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared. Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall: Beware of swollen waterways: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. Maintain safe driving distances: Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
