Severe March Storm System Threatens U.S. with Tornadoes, Blizzards, and Wildfires
A major storm system is forecasted to bring tornadoes, blizzards, and wildfire conditions across the United States. The National Weather Service predicts extreme weather affecting over 100 million people, with wind gusts of up to 80 mph. Warnings have been issued for multiple states, highlighting risks of tornadoes in the South and blizzard conditions in the North, alongside critical wildfire threats in dry regions.
A significant storm system is forecasted to impact the United States, threatening tornadoes across the Mississippi Valley, blizzards in the northern Plains, and dry conditions in Texas and Oklahoma heightening wildfire risks. The National Weather Service warns of extreme weather likely affecting over 100 million residents, with wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph across a vast area from Canada to Texas.
On Friday, California’s central coast expects rainfall due to this storm system, following recent tornado activity in East Los Angeles and subsequent flooding. The threat for severe storms, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rain leading to flash floods, is predicted to extend into the weekend, particularly for Mississippi and Alabama.
Weather experts note that while extreme weather in March is typical, this system’s size and intensity stand out. Bill Bunting of the Storm Prediction Center remarked on the substantial impacts over extensive areas due to the storm’s characteristics, stating, “What’s unique about this one is its large size and intensity.”
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the heightened risk of tornadoes and severe hail today, especially in eastern Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and parts of Arkansas and Mississippi. Approximately 47 million inhabitants from Madison, Wisconsin, to Birmingham, Alabama, are under severe storm warnings. Concerns over intense thunderstorms could exacerbate tornado threats further south.
Areas of Mississippi, including Jackson and Hattiesburg, along with Birmingham and Tuscaloosa in Alabama, are identified as at high risk for damaging winds and tornadoes, with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declaring a preemptive state of emergency to ensure public safety.
Travel disruptions are anticipated in the Rockies and Northern Plains, where heavy snowfall coupled with strong winds will create blizzard-like conditions in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Winter storm warnings remain in effect for mountainous areas in Arizona and Utah, where significant snowfall may lead to hazardous travel, compounded by poor visibility and icy roads.
Conversely, warm and gusty conditions in the Southern Plains and the Southwest have created an extreme wildfire threat, with winds up to 45 mph heightening the potential for wildfires. Critical fire threats are identified in northern Texas, Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas, requiring burn bans in many Texas counties. Randall Hergert, a lead forecaster, stated, “This is likely to be the worst dust storm so far this year.”
In summary, the approaching storm system poses multiple severe weather threats across the United States, including potential tornadoes, blizzards, and wildfire conditions. With extreme weather likely affecting over 100 million people, vigilance is required as various regions face significant risks. Officials have issued warnings and states of emergency in response to the storm’s anticipated destructive potential.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
