Winter Storms Bring Blizzards and Tornado Threats Across U.S./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful storm system is sweeping across the United States, bringing blizzards to the Midwest, tornado threats in the South, and severe storms on the East Coast. Two deaths have been reported in Mississippi, while Nebraska and Minnesota face whiteout conditions. High winds disrupted Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, and hundreds of thousands remain without power. The storm has also caused widespread flight cancellations and road closures.
Severe Weather Update: Quick Look
- Tornadoes & Severe Storms: Confirmed touchdowns in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana; tornado watches extended to the Carolinas.
- Blizzard Warnings: Minnesota and Nebraska seeing whiteout conditions; 130-mile stretch of I-80 closed.
- Two Deaths in Mississippi: One from a fallen power line, another from a tree crushing a car.
- Mardi Gras Disruptions: New Orleans forced to move and shorten parades.
- Power Outages & Flight Cancellations: More than 200,000 without power; hundreds of flights canceled or delayed.
Severe Storms and Blizzard Conditions Wreak Havoc Across the U.S.
Blizzard Warnings in the Midwest, Dangerous Travel Conditions
A major winter storm is hammering the Midwest, bringing blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and dangerous winds to Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
- In Nebraska, officials closed a 130-mile stretch of Interstate 80 between Greenwood and Grand Island due to low visibility and icy roads.
- The Twin Cities in Minnesota are seeing dangerous conditions, with the National Weather Service warning against travel in southern parts of the state.
- Western Wisconsin is also being affected, with strong winds worsening snowfall impacts.
Tornadoes and Deadly Storms in the South
While the Midwest deals with snow, the South continues to battle severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
- Confirmed tornadoes struck Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana on Tuesday, causing significant damage to buildings.
- Mississippi reported two deaths: One from a fallen power line in Madison County, and another when a tree fell on a moving car.
- Tornado watches and warnings extended into Wednesday morning in parts of Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Mardi Gras Disrupted in New Orleans
New Orleans’ biggest Mardi Gras parades were moved up and shortened due to high winds and approaching storms.
- City officials said the changes were necessary to avoid placing large crowds in dangerous weather conditions.
- Despite adjustments, the celebrations continued, with parade organizers racing to finish before conditions worsened.
Power Outages and Flight Cancellations Nationwide
The storm system is causing massive power outages and travel disruptions across the country.
- Over 200,000 customers are without power:
- 111,000 in Texas
- 54,000 in Tennessee
- 53,000 in Alabama
- Flight delays and cancellations:
- 850 flights were canceled on Tuesday.
- Nearly 500 flights canceled Wednesday, mainly at major East Coast airports, affecting travel nationwide.
What’s Next?
- Storms will continue moving eastward, bringing heavy rain, high winds, and possible tornadoes to the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.
- Blizzard conditions will persist in the Midwest, with snowfall expected to taper off by late Thursday.
- The West Coast is bracing for heavy rain and mountain snow, as a Pacific storm system approaches California.
Bottom Line
A powerful storm system is causing widespread disruption across the U.S., with deadly tornadoes in the South, blizzards in the Midwest, and major travel impacts nationwide. Officials urge caution and preparedness as the severe weather continues.
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