We're watching one of those rare "everything at once" weather days unfold across the country today. Meteorologists sometimes call it a "kitchen sink" setup, meaning Mother Nature is basically throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the United States.
In the Midwest,a powerful winter stormcould bring record-breaking snow to parts of Wisconsin and Michigan. Later tonight,a tornado threatis expected to take over much of the Ohio River Valley and Southeast.
In other parts of the country, the weather couldn't be more different. Amajor heat waveis pushing temperatures near 100 degrees in the Southwest. Across the Plains, powerful winds with gusts up to 70 mph are fueling extremely dangerous fire conditions that have already turned deadly in Nebraska.And in Hawaii, an atmospheric river dumped heavy rain, causing flooding and leaving more than 100,000 people without power.
With so much happening at once, you can track it all with us in real time below:
(07:23 p.m. EDT) Temperature Records Broken So Far
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
We haven't forgotten about our viewers dealing with the warmth across the South. While more daily records are expected to be broken and will come in over the coming hours, here are the first daily highs that have been broken so far:
Austin Bergstrom, Texas: 98 degrees (Old record 87 set in 1977)
Austin Camp Mabry, Texas: 97 degrees (Old record 92 set in 2016)
San Antonio, Texas: 98 degrees (Old record 91 set in 1908)
Corpus Christi, Texas: 96 degrees (Old record 94 set in 2008)
Dallas- Fort Worth, Texas: 87 degrees (Old record 86 set in 1943)
(07:15 p.m. EDT) Treacherous Wisconsin Roads
Blizzard conditions in Wisconsin have led to extremely poor visibility on the roadways.
Officials are warning people to stay home, as conditions are dangerous and roads are not safe.
(06:54 p.m. EDT) Around The (Weather) Horn
Here's a quick roundup of some wild weather we're watching right now:
Air Travel: More than 2,200 domestic flights have been canceled today, according to FlightAware.com. The biggest trouble spots are O'Hare International Airport and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, thanks to conditions brought by Winter Storm Iona.
Mounting Snow: A new top snow total has been reported in Spalding, Michigan, where 26 inches of fresh flakes have fallen.
Weather Whiplash: At the Air Force Academy in Colorado, about 5 inches of snow has fallen, though temperatures are expected to surge into the 80s by the end of this week. Elsewhere in the state, a 111-mph wind gust was reported early this morning.
Hawaii To Alaska: A powerful low-pressure system (the one that helped bring flooding to Hawaii) moved north, pushing waves of moisture into Alaska, where it's cold enough to be dropping snow. Some areas could see more than 14 inches with winds up to 60 mph.
(06:37 p.m. EDT) Snow Squall Warning For Central Missouri
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
A dangerous snow squall is bringing intense, heavy snowfall from near Slater to near Green Ridge, Missouri.
Those driving on Interstate 70 in Missouri between mile markers 54 and 95 need to be careful, as visibility has dropped to less than a quarter mile.
(06:20 p.m. EDT) Tornado Warning For St. Louis
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
A tornado warning has been issued that includes downtown St. Louis, as a powerful severe thunderstorm is hitting the city. The storm is currently just west of the city and will move through in the next 30 minutes.
There is no confirmed tornado yet, but regardless, this storm is very powerful.
(06:16 p.m. EDT) Rain In Hawaii Tops 40 Inches
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has released updated and preliminary 5-day rainfall totals for Hawaii as a powerful Kona storm continues to slam the islands. Here are the updated highest and most notable totals:
Kula, Maui County: 44.37 inches
Kamehamenui, Maui County: 34.59 inches
Mauna Loa, Hawaii County: 25.45 inches
North Wailua Ditch, Kauai County: 19.38 inches
Schofield Barracks, Honolulu County: 19.27 inches
(05:55 p.m. EDT) Power Outages Climb In Several States
According toPowerOutage.us, nearly 400,000 people across the country are without power right now, thanks to extreme weather causing disruptions.
The hardest-hit areas are Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, where gusty winds ahead of Winter Storm Iona are knocking down power lines and causing hazardous travel.
Michigan and Wisconsin are also dealing with significant outages caused by blizzard conditions.
In Texas and Oklahoma, strong winds have knocked out power for more than 60,000 people.
And in Hawaii, flooding rains have left more than 40,000 customers without electricity.
(05:41 p.m. EDT) Texas Haboob Turns the Sky Brown
From Content Development Manager Joy Kigin:
If you've seen the videos out of Texas today, that wall of dust has a name. It's a haboob. Most weather watchers know the term, but it's essentially a fast-moving dust storm pushed outward by strong thunderstorm winds. And when it arrives, visibility can disappear in seconds.
That sudden loss of visibility is where the real danger comes in. One of the biggest mistakes drivers make in dust storms is continuing to creep forward because they're worried about being rear-ended. Unfortunately, that's exactly how multi-car pileups start.
If you're driving and visibility suddenly drops to zero, experts say the safest move is counterintuitive but simple:
Pull completely off the road
Turn off your lights
Take your foot off the brake
Wait for the dust to pass
(05:25 p.m. EDT) More Than 12 Million Under Tornado Watches
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
There are now four tornado watches, stretching from northeastern Texas to central Illinois.
More than 12 million people are currently under a tornado watch, including Shreveport, Louisiana, Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri.
Tornado watch: From northeastern Louisiana to southwestern Indiana until 11 p.m. CDT
Tornado watch: Central Illinois until 10 p.m. CDT
Tornado watch: Northeastern Texas to the Arkansas-Missouri border until 9 p.m. CDT
Tornado watch: Southern Missouri to southwestern Illinois until 8 p.m. CDT
(05:12 p.m. EDT) New Fire Spreads In Oklahoma
A new wildfire has started near Altus, Oklahoma, as strong winds (around 50 mph) fuel several fires across the area.
A Fire Warning is in effect for southwest Oklahoma, and officials are urging residents to be ready for possible evacuations and follow guidance from local authorities.
(04:59 p.m. EDT) First Tornado Warning Of The Night In Missouri
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
The first tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Springfield, Missouri for a powerful line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds.
This line of storms is near Willow Springs, Missouri, moving east at 45 mph.
These storms are moving quickly, so conditions will deteriorate quickly for those in these storms' path.
(04:46 p.m. EDT) A Month's Worth Of Rain In Oregon
Over the past few days, the rain really piled up across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. In fact, much of the Portland metro area has picked up about a month's worth of rain in just four days.
Portland typically averages 3.97 inches of rain for the entire month of March. But after this recent stretch of wet weather, rainfall totals on this map are already sitting around 3.78 inches.
(04:35 p.m. EDT) Snowfall Totals Up North
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
Winter storm Iona is bringing heavy snowfall and gusty winds to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Some of the most notable snowfall totals:
Weston, Wisconsin: 24.5 inches
Wausau, Wisconsin: 22 inches
Zumbro Falls, Minnesota: 20 inches
Daggett, Michigan: 18 inches
Green Bay, Wisconsin: 10 inches
Near Minneapolis, Minnesota: 8.5 inches
Totals could end up between 1-3 feet with isolated totals across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan potentially seeing 4 feet. Some two-day snowfall records could be broken.
For more on what we're seeing up north, check our forecasthere.
(04:16 p.m. EDT) Nebraska Fire Turns Deadly
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen confirmed that a woman was killed after she was unable to escape the fast-moving Morrill wildfire.
Officials say the fire has now burned nearly 859 square miles, with strong winds and extremely dry conditions aiding the spread and forcing evacuations.
A high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. local time.
(03:55 p.m. EDT) Rainfall Storm Totals In Hawaii Approaching 40 Inches
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
A storm system called a "Kona Low" has broughtrounds of heavy rainfallover the Hawaiian Islands over the past few days.
Below are some of the rainfall storm totals over the past 4 days:
Kula, Maui County: 38.89 inches
Kamehamenui, Maui County: 30.03 inches
Luluku, Honolulu County: 19.40 inches
Mauna Loa, Hawaii County: 18.20 inches
North Wailua Ditch, Kauai County: 17.74 inches
Flood watches remain for The Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.
(03:39 p.m. EDT) Denver's Sharp Contrast
By content writer Toby Adeyemi:
Advertisement
Denver is another city going through a weather whiplash, and theirs might be the sharpest. It only took 13 hours, according to this Denver resident, for the city's temperatures to fluctuate between two extremes.
(03:19 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Issued For Arkansas, Including Little Rock
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
A new tornado watch has been issued for most of Arkansas, including Little Rock, as well as northwestern Louisiana, far southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas.
This watch will last until 9:00 p.m. local time and could bring a couple of intense tornadoes.
The total population in the watch is nearly 4 million people.
(03:02 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Issued For Missouri, Illinois
From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:
The first tornado watch of the night has been issued for west-central Illinois and southern and eastern Missouri, including St. Louis until 8:00 pm local time.
The main threats include a few tornadoes, gusts up to 75 mph and ping pong ball-sized hail.
The total population in the tornado watch is more than 3 million people.
(02:45 p.m. EDT) NWS Expands Enhanced Risk Area
As severe storms head across the South tonight, the NWS has considerably expanded the area of enhanced risk. A massive region stretching from Indianapolis, IN, to the Florida Panhandle is now predicted to see intense, widespread and persistent storms.
(02:30 p.m. EDT) This Is What Weather Whiplash Looks Like
By content writer Toby Adeyemi
A resident of central Wisconsin perfectly shows the effects of a weather whiplash. Just three days ago, the weather was warm and sunny. He posted a side by side comparison showing just how much snow has hit the area.
(01:55 p.m. EDT) Red Flag Warnings Issued
By content writer Toby Adeyemi
A Red Flag Warning has been issued across parts of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado. A strong storm system just ripped through, and now we're left with powerful winds mixing with dry air. Red Flag Warnings in these areas will hold through the evening. A Red Flag Warning means conditions are perfect for fires to start and spread fast so high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation all create the perfect recipe for this. So outdoor burns, sparks, even tossing a cigarette could turn into a wildfire real quick, be cautious.
(01:30 p.m. EDT) Severe Storms Expected Across South Overnight
The NWS has updated their timing estimates for the severe storms headed across the South and Ohio Valley tonight. Widespread winds as high as 75 mph and tornadoes are possible.
(12:55 p.m. EDT) Emergency Supply Kit Must-Haves
From content writer Toby Adeyemi
When winter weather hits, the last place you want to be caught unprepared is on the road. A simple emergency kit in your car can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. Experts recommend keeping essentials like a cell phone charger, first aid kit, jumper cables, tire chains or snow tires, flares, water and snacks, a flashlight, a full tank of gas, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, boots, mittens and warm clothes, a blanket, a tow rope, and tools like a shovel, ice scraper and snow brush so you're ready if winter weather or a road closure leaves you stranded. If you are planning to leave the house after the snow starts, please be fully stocked and prepared.
(12:30 p.m. EDT) South Dakota And Minnesota Are Closing Roads
By content writer Toby Adeyemi
The Steele County 911 Center in Minnesota isn't suggesting you stay home, they're ordering you to. Steele County has issued a no travel alert due to blizzard conditions that have dropped visibility to zero, making any travel life-threatening and restricted to emergencies only so crews can focus on essential rescues. South Dakota is doing something similar by shutting down hundreds of miles of interstate with no timeline for reopening: I-90 is closed from Sioux Falls to Wall (nearly 300 miles) and I-29 is closed from Sioux Falls to the North Dakota state line.
(12:00 p.m. EDT) Are You Traveling This Week?
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray
If so, you will want to bookmark ourtravel tracker. This week we will face impactful weather from coast to coast, and this has all the up-to-date maps you need before hitting the skies or roads. Keep up with possible airport delays, watches, warnings and more, all in one place.
(11:45 a.m. EDT) Roads Washed Out In Hawaii
And here's a look at what those heavy rains in Hawaii are capable of.
(11:19 a.m. EDT) Heavy Rains Will Continue In Hawaii
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray
A storm system called a "Kona low" has set up northwest of Hawaii and has brought torrential rain, damaging winds and even heavy snow to the state. Hawaii will continue to face the threat of flash flooding asheavy rain continuesto pound the island chain. Winds in the lower elevations are forecast to reach gusts of 50 mph and in the higher elevations as high as 100 mph.
(10:45 a.m. EDT) Peep The Scene At Hartsfield-Jackson
From content writer Toby Adeyemi
Over 10,000 flights have been delayed already due to the winter storm, and one of the hardest hit airports is the busiest one in the country, Hartsfield-Jackson. Travelers have already stated delays up to one hour getting through TSA and now look at this video footage of the waiting lines.
(10:20 a.m. EDT) What Is Weather Whiplash?
By content writer Toby Adeyemi
With this incoming winter storm, a lot of cities will be hit by a weather whiplash. Weather whiplash refers to rapid, extreme swings between opposing weather conditions over a short period, typically days to weeks. This will be an uncomfortable reality in a few major cities. Chicago, Kansas City, and parts of central Virginia are all expected to be hit with cold temperatures throughout Sunday and into the week, after warm temperatures this week.
(09:57 a.m. EDT) Minnesota Seeing Major Snow
Reports are starting to come in from Minnesota. The highest total we've seen so far is 17" in Millville, MN, but snow continuing to fall throughout the morning. We expect we'll see much higher numbers by the end of the day.
(09:45 a.m. EDT) Heat Wave Ramping Up
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray
Hundreds of record highs could fall this week across the West, astemperatures soar20-30 degrees above average. Highs will feel closer to mid-summer temperatures than early spring. Highs will run well into the 90s and even triple digits across the Desert Southwest.
(09:10 a.m. EDT) Nearly 8000 Flights Delayed
From content writer Toby Adeyemi
Over 1,600 flights have been canceled and more than 7,700 are delayed across the U.S. as severe weather, high airport volume and operational challenges slam major hubs like Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Kansas City and Atlanta. Delta, Southwest, American and United are suspending or delaying hundreds of flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or scrambling to rebook.
(08:45 a.m. EDT) NWS Warns Of Whiteout Conditions, Hazardous Icing, Power Outages
As we anticipate the worst of Winter Storm Iona later today, the National Weather Service is warning of serious impacts across the upper Midwest.
(08:40 a.m. EDT) Minnesota Activates National Guard
From content writer Toby Adeyemi
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order to bring in the Minnesota National Guard to support and help emergency operations for a major winter storm expected to hit the state late Saturday into Sunday. A winter storm warning goes into effect Saturday at 7 p.m. for central and southern Minnesota, with 12 to 18 inches of snow forecast for the metro area. Expect wind gusts up to 45 mph, which could create blizzard-like conditions, with the heaviest snow expected to fall overnight and in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The emergency order will stay in place until storm conditions subside or Thursday, whichever comes first.
(08:18 a.m. EDT) Floods Destroy Hawaii Home
By content writer Toby Adeyemi
This is some insane footage and it really highlights just how serious and strong this storm is. A home in Lao Valley is completely ripped off the ground as the land behind it is swept away due to flooding from the Kona storm.
(08:00 a.m. EDT) Blizzard Warnings Continue To Expand In The Midwest
As Winter Storm Iona moves in, blizzard warnings are now in effect for parts of Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
(07:55 a.m. EDT) More Than 65,000 Still Without Power In Hawaii
At the latest count this morning, more than 65,000 people are still without power as a result of the atmospheric river in Hawaii. Flash flood warnings remain in effect across multiple islands as heavy rainfall continues to fall in Hawaii. Writer Toby Adeyemi has the details behind the storm that has caused Gov. Josh Green to issue anemergency proclamation.
(07:37 a.m. EDT) Delta Announces Delays
By content writer Toby Adeyemi
If you are planning on flying tomorrow, especially if you are on Delta, expect delays and cancellations. Delta tweeted out a prewarning and is advising you get ahead of any scheduled flight plans through the Midwest.
(07:25 a.m. EDT) What Is Severe Weather?
From senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
While many people define severe weather as any damaging weather event, meteorologists are more narrowly focused on thunderstorm impacts:
A tornado
Wind gusts of at least 58 mph
Hail of at least one inch in diameter
(MORE:What Meteorologists Mean By Severe Weather)
(07:15 a.m. EDT) Looking For Maps?
The easiest way to follow a storm is on our maps. Track everything from current conditions, forecasts and potential impacts from Winter Storm Iona and the severe weather on the southern endhere.
(06:05 a.m. EDT) What Is A Blizzard?
From senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
Blizzard conditions are categorized by meeting all of the following criteria:
Blowing and/or falling snow
Winds of at least 35 mph
A reduction of visibility to a quarter mile or less
All those conditions persist for at least 3 hours
(MORE:Blizzards Explained)
0 Comments