Weather
(Newsnations) A spring storm swept through the central United States on Monday, bringing snow, rain, and gusty winds across a wide area. Meanwhile, the southern regions braced themselves for potential severe weather, including thunderstorms and the threat of tornadoes. Additionally, in south Texas, the risk of wildfires reached critical levels.
This storm arrived while parts of the country were still recovering from previous severe weather events, notably in the Northeast. In Maine, for instance, tens of thousands of residents remained without power as the aftermath of a storm that left parts of the state encased in thick ice persisted.
Anticipated to persist through Tuesday, the new storm was forecasted to unleash strong winds, sleet, freezing rain, and snow from the Dakotas to the Gulf Coast.
Jarvis Smith from Golden Valley, Minnesota, reflected on the persistence of late-season snowstorms and remarked on the disappointment of those anticipating the arrival of spring.
Blizzard and winter storm warnings or advisories covered significant portions of states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, upper Michigan, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. In some northern Minnesota and Wisconsin areas, snowfall rates could reach up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) per hour.
The National Weather Service warned of reduced visibility due to blowing and falling snow, with blizzard conditions expected to persist into Tuesday across parts of the Plains and northern Minnesota. Travel was likely challenging, if not impossible, with potential power outages and tree damage due to heavy snow, icing, and strong winds.
The storm system also triggered wind warnings or advisories from Iowa to Appalachia and the Gulf Coast. Severe thunderstorms with the possibility of tornadoes and damaging winds were anticipated in east Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley.
While the storm spared the Twin Cities area after heavy snowfall on Sunday, it still caused numerous accidents and disruptions across Minnesota. South Dakota experienced slow-moving traffic and slippery conditions, prompting cautionary measures from authorities.
Significant snowfall was expected in central Nebraska, but road conditions deteriorated, leading to closures along a stretch of Interstate 80. Weather officials in south Texas warned about gusty, dry conditions conducive to rapid wildfire spread.
Over the weekend, parts of the Northeast, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, were hit hard by snowstorms, resulting in power outages and hazardous road conditions. However, repair efforts in Maine showed progress, with power outages reduced from 200,000 to less than 50,000 by Monday afternoon.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, some areas farther inland were able to enjoy the fluffy snowfall. Locations in Maine and New Hampshire recorded impressive snow accumulations, much to the delight of winter sports enthusiasts.
Parts of the Northeast also got slammed over the weekend. Vermont, New Hampshire, and most of Maine were buried in snow that measured more than 2 feet (0.6 meters) in some areas, toppling trees and causing car crashes. Thousands of people from Maine to New York remained without power early Monday.
Repair crews in Maine had cut outages from 200,000 over the weekend to less than 50,000 by late Monday afternoon.
Justin Arnott of the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said nearly three-quarters of an inch of ice was recorded at Portland’s airport. But the weather outlook was good for utility workers, with no bitter cold and no fast melt that could threaten flooding.
Areas farther inland got fluffy snow coveted by skiers. Bryant Pond, Maine, recorded 25 inches (63.50 centimeters), and Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, had just shy of 30 inches (76.20 centimeters).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What regions were affected by the spring storm?
The spring storm affected a large swath of the central United States.
What weather conditions were experienced in the central US during the storm?
The central US experienced snow, rain, and gusty winds during the storm.
What risks did the storm pose to the South?
The storm threatened the South with severe weather, including thunderstorms and potential tornadoes.
How did the storm impact areas that are still recovering from severe weather events?
The storm compounded challenges for areas still recovering from previous severe weather events, particularly in the Northeast.
What were the major concerns for residents in Maine during the storm?
In Maine, residents faced power outages and hazardous conditions due to thick ice from the storm.
What were some of the anticipated impacts of the storm across different states?
The storm’s anticipated impacts across different states included reduced visibility, dangerous road conditions, power outages, and tree damage.
How did the storm affect travel conditions?
The storm adversely affected travel conditions, with reports of accidents, delays on roads, and flight cancellations.
What measures were taken by authorities to address the challenges posed by the storm?
Authorities took measures such as issuing warnings, advising caution to travelers, and coordinating emergency response efforts.
What weather warnings were issued for the affected regions?
Weather warnings included blizzard and winter storm advisories, wind warnings, and severe thunderstorm alerts.
How did the storm impact power infrastructure and services in various areas?
The storm caused power outages and disruptions to services in various areas, with repair crews working to restore electricity and mitigate other impacts.
Conclusion
The spring storm that swept through the central United States brought snow, rain, and gusty winds, affecting a wide area from the Dakotas to the Gulf Coast. While the central US grappled with challenging weather conditions, the South faced the threat of severe weather, including thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. The storm compounded difficulties for areas still recovering from previous severe weather events, particularly in the Northeast, where power outages and hazardous conditions persisted.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, authorities took proactive measures to address the situation, issuing warnings and coordinating emergency response efforts. As the storm passed, communities worked to restore power and mitigate the impacts of the adverse weather conditions.
