A massive storm is tearing through the central U.S., bringing everything from blizzards and power outages to tornadoes and wildfires. Millions of people are bracing for impact as dangerous weather sweeps across multiple states.
The storm first hit the Plains early Wednesday and quickly gained strength as it moved into the Midwest. Snow started falling Tuesday night, but by Wednesday, it had intensified. Some areas from eastern Nebraska to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see over half a foot of snow. Normally, a few inches of March snow wouldn’t be a huge deal, but strong winds are making travel nearly impossible.
By Wednesday evening, nearly 200,000 homes and businesses were in the dark, with Nebraska, Missouri, and Arkansas seeing the most power outages. Roads have also been a disaster. In Nebraska, sections of Interstate 80 were shut down due to blizzard conditions, crashes, and downed power lines. Kansas had to close about 250 miles of I-70, and Iowa shut down parts of I-29 as state troopers warned of “extremely hazardous” travel.
Blizzards happen when snow combines with strong winds, creating whiteout conditions—meaning visibility drops to almost nothing. It’s like driving through a dust storm but with snow. The National Weather Service in Des Moines warned that traveling in these conditions could be “treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”
Videos from Sioux City, Iowa, showed snow-covered roads with cars stuck everywhere. Tow trucks couldn’t get through, and people were forced to dig out their cars by hand. The situation wasn’t any better in Gary, Indiana, where strong winds caused serious damage. A possible tornado tore the roof off a public school, damaging classrooms and the gym. In Highland, Indiana, trees were knocked down, with at least one crashing into a house.
Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms popped up across parts of the Midwest. Although this storm isn’t expected to be as bad as last weekend’s deadly tornado outbreak, it’s still adding to the chaos. At least one tornado touched down in northern Illinois, and several others were reported, but luckily, no major damage has been confirmed.
The storms also disrupted flights, forcing Chicago O’Hare International Airport to stop all departures for over an hour.
On top of all this, wildfires are causing even more problems in the south-central U.S. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for parts of Colorado, warning of strong winds and dangerously dry conditions that could spark more fires.
The wind has already made things worse. In Texas, new fires broke out, including the “Double S Fire” near Borger, forcing evacuations. In Dallam County, another fire quickly spread to 15,000 acres. Oklahoma also saw more than 130 wildfires over the weekend, killing four people and destroying at least 400 homes.
New Mexico isn’t in the clear either. A fast-moving brush fire in Otero County forced evacuations late Tuesday as firefighters scrambled to contain the flames.
With blizzards, tornadoes, and wildfires all hitting at once, millions are facing a tough few days ahead. Experts are urging people in affected areas to stay alert, follow emergency warnings, and take precautions to stay safe.
