OMAHA, Neb. — A powerful storm system continues to impact millions across the central United States, leaving significant portions of the Midwest and Great Plains grappling with blizzard conditions. Neighboring states are also facing the dual threat of high winds and wildfires.
Approximately 72 million people were placed under wind advisories on Wednesday, with gusts exceeding 45 mph. Meteorologists have noted that the collision of lingering cold air from the north and warm air from the south is generating these intense low-pressure systems. This marks the third rapidly developing storm system in recent weeks, resulting in a remarkably active weather pattern since February.
Over the past weekend, severe weather conditions resulted in at least 42 fatalities as tornadoes and wildfires ravaged portions of eight states, causing significant destruction, including overturned trees and damage to numerous homes and businesses.
A weather band stretching from southwestern Kansas to central Wisconsin is expected to receive varying snow accumulation, ranging from a mere 2 inches to as much as 1 foot. High winds accompanying this snowfall may lead to dangerous whiteout conditions.
In response to the treacherous weather, the Kansas Department of Transportation has shut down over 250 miles of Interstate 70 from the Colorado border to Salina, Kansas. The initial closure segment, running 39 miles between Goodland and Colby, was previously affected by high winds that caused a devastating dust storm and resulted in a pileup of 71 vehicles.
Blizzard conditions early Wednesday resulted in nearly zero visibility in south-central Nebraska, prompting state patrols to advise against travel. More than 160 miles of Interstate 80 from Lincoln to Lexington were closed, with further incidents, including a jackknifed semi-trailer blocking lanes.
Power outages are widespread, with approximately 50,000 Nebraska customers experiencing outages due to heavy snowfall and high winds. Some areas in western Iowa were also affected.
Road closures attributed to accidents have been reported in northwestern Iowa as the storm system progresses. By midday Wednesday, nearly 70 miles of Interstate 29, along the Nebraska-Iowa border, were shut down.
This abrupt storm has created stark contrasts in weather, following a day of spring-like conditions that saw temperatures climb above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in some locales.
In regions unaffected by snow, fierce winds combined with dry conditions from Texas through Missouri yield a heightened risk of wildfires. Officials are cautioning that before plant growth begins, significant dry fuel remains present.
On Tuesday, the fire threat escalated and continued through Wednesday, particularly in parts of Oklahoma, where a recent outbreak of wildfires has already caused extensive damage to over 400 homes and resulted in at least four fatalities linked to fires or high winds.
As Wednesday afternoon approached, central Illinois faced a risk of severe thunderstorms, including potential hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. A slight risk was forecasted for much of Illinois and Indiana, with lower risk extending into the Tennessee Valley.
Looking ahead, forecasters predict that the current storm system will push a cold front across the eastern seaboard on Thursday, which may bring additional snowfall to higher elevations in New England.
