Summary
A major late-winter storm is causing severe weather alerts across 16 U.S. states, with forecasts of heavy snow and strong winds. The Upper Midwest, Northern Rockies, and Pacific Northwest are the hardest-hit areas, with some mountain regions expected to see up to five feet of snow and blizzard conditions.
Key Facts
- National Weather Service issued alerts, including winter storm and blizzard warnings, for 16 states.
- Mountain regions above 5,000 feet could see up to five feet of snow.
- The most severe conditions are expected in the Upper Midwest, Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii's highest peaks.
- Blizzard conditions in northeastern Minnesota include wind gusts up to 55 mph, causing low visibility and power outages.
- Northern Wisconsin may see up to 18 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.
- A second storm system could create near blizzard conditions in parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota late in the weekend.
- Northern Rockies forecasts include up to 50 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph in higher elevations.
- Pacific Northwest mountains are under winter storm warnings with 1 to 3 feet of snow expected.
