A massive storm is sweeping across the country, bringing hurricane-force winds and affecting over 30 states. This comes as the holiday season brings more people on the roads and to airports.
The storm is heading towards the Midwest after causing power outages in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains, and the Rockies. Wind gusts of over 100 mph have been reported in the Intermountain West and Northern Plains, with a record 144 mph gust in Wyoming.
High winds have led to incidents such as two children being critically injured in Idaho and a man being killed by a falling tree in Idaho. The strong winds have also fueled wildfires in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Evacuations were ordered due to wildfires in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado, with power outages affecting thousands in Colorado. Washington experienced historic flooding exacerbated by high winds and power outages.
Blizzard warnings have been issued for parts of North Dakota and Minnesota, with whiteout driving conditions expected. The storm will bring heavy rain to the Central Plains and expand into the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys.
High wind gusts and snow will impact drivers and air travel in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa. The cold front will bring rain to the Midwest and Mississippi River and Ohio Valleys, causing potential delays at airports.
Thursday: Whiteout driving conditions possible in Upper Midwest, rain expected across Mississippi River Valley
The storm will reach the East Coast on Friday, with lake-effect snow in regions near Lakes Erie and Ontario. A widespread washout is expected from Maine to Florida on Friday morning.
Periods of heavy rain and strong winds could disrupt air travel along the northeast coast. The storm aligns with NOAA’s forecast for an active winter due to the La NiƱa climate pattern.
