Weather Forecast: Severe Storms, Extreme Cold, Heavy Snow Will Take Over US for 3 Days

According to the most recent weather forecast, severe storms with record extreme cold and heavy snow are expected to last for 3 days in most of the US.

Wednesday, as travel conditions started to deteriorate in some areas, parts of more than two dozen states were placed under winter weather alerts as a strong, coast-to-coast storm continued to bring immediate threats of heavy snow coupled with high winds.

Severe Storms, Extreme Cold, Heavy Snow

Winter weather alerts have been issued across 29 states, covering more than 65 million people from California to Maine, warning of severe icing, extreme cold, and sleet that could cause travel disruptions and power outages on Wednesday.

The Upper Midwest, particularly the Minneapolis area in Minnesota, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, potentially receiving more than 2 feet of snow over the multi-day storm, which could be the most in 30 years.

Here's a look at the Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) over the next 3 days, through midday Friday. Moderate, Major and Extreme winter weather impacts are expected from the West Coast to New England with travel not advised in the Upper Midwest due to blizzard conditions. pic.twitter.com/fcwxg5E7gQ
— National Weather Service (@NWS) February 21, 2023

The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities described the three-day storm as "historic" and warned of widespread accumulating snow, blowing, and drifting snow mainly on Wednesday through Thursday.

The worst impacts are expected to begin late Wednesday into Thursday, with heavy snow accompanied by gusty winds, making traveling a life-threatening task for thousands in the Twin Cities region.

Troubled Travels

Governor Tim Walz announced on Twitter that the Minnesota National Guard, transportation department, and state patrol are prepared to respond to the storm impacts.

Over 700 flights scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled, with Minneapolis and Denver being among the most affected cities. With over five million people under ice storm warnings in several states, and over two million under blizzard warnings in parts of Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, the storm is expected to have a significant impact on air and land travel.

Power Outage

More than 140,000 homes and businesses lost power in California, where the reported outages were in the northern counties of the state, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz, as a result of strong winds from the powerful storm farther west that tore down power lines, according to Poweroutage.us.

Several feet of snow is still expected in the mountains of California, with only a few inches possibly falling at lower elevations, according to the National Weather Service. Nearly two months after numerous areas in the Golden State were devastated by deadly flooding, the state is experiencing unseasonably warm weather.

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Wednesday Storm Forecast

The National Weather Service warns of snowfall up to 2 inches per hour and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph in parts of the Upper Midwest, creating whiteout conditions from falling and blowing snow. More than 2 million people are under blizzard warnings in Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Minneapolis is expected to receive 15 to 25 inches of snow by Thursday, in addition to the 1 to 3 inches already fallen.

Sioux Falls could see up to 16 inches of snow and winds of 45 mph, while Cheyenne could experience heavy snowfall of up to 1 foot and frigid wind chills of 35 below zero. Milwaukee, Detroit, and Ann Arbor may experience dangerous icing, and severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and rain are expected in parts of Oklahoma, western Arkansas, Missouri, and western Illinois.

Wednesday's anticipated severe weather conditions have prompted several states to take precautionary measures for public safety. In South Dakota, the governor ordered the closure of state government executive branch offices in over half of the state's counties, with employees working remotely. Interstates 29 and 90 were also partially closed on Tuesday night in preparation for the expected snow.

Similarly, some institutions in Wyoming, including Eastern Wyoming College and the Natrona County school district in Casper, will be closed on Wednesday due to hazardous weather and road conditions. The Food Bank of Wyoming, which serves all 23 counties in the state, will also be closed on Wednesday, CNN reports.