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A powerful storm system is sweeping across the United States, bringing severe weather conditions from the West Coast to the East Coast. The storm is causing blizzard conditions in the central U.S. and triggering tornadoes in the South. The system began moving through the western U.S. on Monday (March 3) and is expected to exit the country by Thursday (March 6).
The storm has already brought much-needed precipitation to drought-stricken areas of California and Nevada. As it moves east, the storm is predicted to bring heavy snow to the Central Plains and Upper Midwest, with blizzard conditions likely from Nebraska to Wisconsin. Snowfall could exceed six inches in some areas, with strong winds creating hazardous travel conditions.
In the South, severe thunderstorms are expected, with the greatest risk of tornadoes in northern Louisiana, eastern Arkansas, and western Mississippi. The storm will form a well-organized squall line on Tuesday night, which could intensify on Wednesday as it moves across the Eastern Seaboard.
Strong winds are expected across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph. This could lead to widespread power outages, especially in areas with new vegetation or wet soils.
In addition to the blizzard and tornado threats, there is an extreme fire danger in New Mexico and west Texas due to strong winds and dry air.
The storm's impact is expected to diminish by Thursday as it moves out of the Northeast.