A severe winter storm is wreaking havoc across much of the Midwest as blizzard conditions collide with severe weather threats, leaving millions in peril. On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, parts of the region are under blizzard warnings while others brace for tornadoes and wildfires.
Roughly 72 million people were affected by wind advisories as strong gusts reached over 45 mph (72 kph) stretching from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes. Meteorologist Bryan Jackson of the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center noted that this is the third storm system to rapidly develop in recent weeks, indicating a very active weather pattern since February.
This turbulent weather follows a weekend of destruction when at least 42 people were killed as storms unleashed tornadoes, blinding dust, and wildfires across eight states in the South and Midwest. Many regions, including a band from southwestern Kansas to central Wisconsin, prepared for anywhere from 2 inches (5 centimeters) to over a foot (30 cm) of snow on Wednesday.
The Kansas Department of Transportation took action by closing over 250 miles (402 kilometers) of Interstate 70 from the Colorado border east to Salina due to the hazardous winter weather. This closure included a section between Goodland and Colby that had previously been affected by severe winds.
Visibility dropped to near-zero in south-central Nebraska due to blizzard conditions, leading to significant road closures. More than 160 miles (257 km) of Interstate 80 were shut down from Lincoln to Lexington, compounded by a jackknifed semi-trailer blocking two lanes.
Power outages were widespread, affecting around 50,000 customers in Nebraska and thousands more in western Iowa. Crashes exacerbated the dangerous driving conditions and nearly 70 miles (113 km) of Interstate 29 were closed by midday. The storm left residents reeling from weather whiplash after experiencing springlike temperatures of over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) the day before.
As if the snowstorm wasn't enough, parts of Texas and Oklahoma faced increased wildfire risks driven by dry conditions. The fire threat intensified on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, just days after wildfires in Oklahoma had already destroyed over 400 homes and resulted in at least four fatalities. Local estimates indicated that the risk of severe thunderstorms extended into central Illinois on Wednesday afternoon, with areas facing potential hail, strong wind, and tornado risks.
States such as Illinois and Indiana were at the center of attention, with meteorologists expressing concern for severe thunderstorms capable of turning into tornadoes. These storms were predicted to form along a corridor extending from southeastern Iowa to parts of Mississippi and Alabama.
AccuWeather labeled this severe weather event as a moderate risk for portions of Illinois and Indiana, with significant threats of damaging wind gusts and large hail. The Storm Prediction Center predicted that cities like Chicago would experience heightened chances of tornado activity.
Despite the severe risks, forecasters downplayed the likelihood of a major tornado outbreak similar to the previous week, where an estimated 100 tornadoes occurred across the Midwest and Southeast. The upcoming storm expected to form into a new system along the Atlantic coast will further complicate matters, bringing additional rain and potential tornado threats as it progresses.
As this multifaceted storm system sweeps through, it remains critical for citizens to remain vigilant. Meteorologists warn that the weather threats could evolve rapidly, requiring adherence to proper safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
This storm system serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of severe weather and the importance of staying informed during such unpredictable conditions.
In summation, March 19, 2025, marks another chapter of extreme weather experienced across the Midwest and southern parts of the U.S., as a potent winter storm intensifies the risks of both blizzard conditions and severe thunderstorms.
