Severe Weather Conditions Hit the US
OMAHA, Neb. — Another storm system is affecting millions of people in the middle of the U.S., leaving parts of the Midwest and Great Plains under blizzard conditions and a broad swath of neighboring states at risk of high winds and wildfires.
Roughly 72 million people were under a wind advisory or warning Wednesday, with winds gusting over 45 mph, according to Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
At this time of year, cold air lingering in the north collides with warm air coming in from the south to produce strong, low pressure systems, Jackson said. But Wednesday’s weather is the third storm system to rapidly develop in recent weeks and bring high winds to a large swath of the U.S., a “very active pattern” since February, Jackson said.
The severe weather conditions have been caused by a combination of factors, including the clash of cold and warm air masses, the jet stream, and the movement of weather systems across the country. The result has been a series of powerful storms that have brought heavy snow, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms to many parts of the country.
Recent Weather-Related Incidents
At least 42 people died over the weekend when dynamic storms unleashed tornadoes, blinding dust and wildfires — leaving behind uprooted trees and flattening hundreds of homes and businesses across eight U.S. states in the South and Midwest.
The storms have also caused significant disruptions to daily life, with many schools and businesses closed, and travel plans disrupted. The economic impact of the storms is also likely to be significant, with damage to property and infrastructure, as well as losses to agriculture and other industries.
Snow for Some
A band from southwestern Kansas up to central Wisconsin was expected to see as little as 2 inches of snow or as much as 1 foot Wednesday. Combined with high winds, forecasters warned of whiteout conditions.
This image provided by the New Mexico State Forestry Division shows firefighters battling a wildfire in southern New Mexico, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, amid strong winds and dry conditions. (Caleb Finch/New Mexico State Forestry Division via AP)
The Kansas Department of Transportation closed more than 250 miles of Interstate 70 from the Colorado border east to Salina, Kansas, because of winter weather.
The first stretch to close in western Kansas was also impacted by last week’s high winds. Eight people died after a dust storm resulted in a pileup of 71 cars and trucks.
High Winds and Risk of Fires
Where it’s not snowing, there are still very strong winds. Gusts combined with dry conditions from Texas and Oklahoma up through Arkansas and central Missouri bring the potential for wildfires.
“Before plants are growing,” Jackson said, “there’s a lot of dry fuel out there.”
The fire threat ramped up Tuesday and persisted Wednesday in the region, with renewed risk in parts of Oklahoma still reeling from an outbreak of wildfires that started Friday. More than 400 homes were severely damaged or destroyed, and at least four people died due to the fires or high winds, officials said.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported Wednesday that they responded to 14 new wildfires Tuesday that burned 18,518 acres across Texas.
One fire near Borger, in the state’s panhandle cut power, led to evacuations and threatened 1,201 homes late Tuesday, according to the city’s post on Facebook.
Tornadoes Possible
The potential for severe thunderstorms plagued central Illinois Wednesday afternoon with risks of hail, strong wind and tornadoes. Much of Illinois and Indiana were forecasted to be under slight risk, with lower risk further south through the Tennessee Valley.
The storms have the potential to cause significant damage and disruption, and residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Looking Ahead — and Eastward
Jackson said the storm affecting much of the U.S. Wednesday will send a cold front across the eastern seaboard later Thursday, bringing a renewed low pressure system with the potential to dump heavier snowfall in higher elevation parts of New England.
The storm system is expected to move eastward, bringing winter weather conditions to the northeastern United States. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather conditions affecting the US are a reminder of the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions to stay safe. The storms have caused significant damage and disruption, and it is essential to be prepared for any eventuality.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports, and to follow the instructions of local authorities. By working together, we can minimize the impact of these storms and keep our communities safe.
FAQs
Q: What is causing the severe weather conditions?
A: The severe weather conditions are caused by a combination of factors, including the clash of cold and warm air masses, the jet stream, and the movement of weather systems across the country.
Q: What areas are affected by the severe weather conditions?
A: The severe weather conditions are affecting many parts of the US, including the Midwest, Great Plains, and northeastern United States.
Q: What precautions can I take to stay safe during the severe weather conditions?
A: Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed, follow the instructions of local authorities, and take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as stocking up on food and water, and having a plan in place in case of an emergency.
