Severe Weather System Unleashes Tornadoes and Blizzards Across the US

Tue Mar 17 2026 11:39:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A powerful storm system has resulted in tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzard conditions affecting millions across the eastern and midwestern U.S.

The eastern U.S. is bracing for severe weather as over 34 million people are under tornado watches while blizzard conditions bring nearly 3 feet of snow to parts of the Midwest. The storm's impact has led to significant flight cancellations, power outages, and emergency operations in affected states.

Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzard conditions are forecast to pummel parts of the eastern US.

More than 34 million people were under tornado watches from Florida to New Jersey. Nearly 3ft (0.9m) of snow has fallen in Minnesota, Wisconsin and northern Michigan since the storm began this weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The bulk of the storm is expected to churn off the east coast into the Atlantic by Tuesday, with abnormally cold weather to follow in its wake.

Over 11 million people are under blizzard warnings, and another four million are under winter storm warnings. By Monday evening, nearly 4,600 flights had been cancelled and almost 11,300 delayed, with the highest numbers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and LaGuardia in New York.

More than 406,000 customers were without power, primarily in Michigan, Virginia, and North Carolina. In Minnesota alone, over 25in (63.5cm) of snow fell, with expectations of more snow and strong winds.

Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, the NWS warned. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the state's National Guard to assist with emergency operations.

Severe thunderstorms are also anticipated in North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia, with potential hail and tornado activity. Tornado warnings were issued in parts of northern Virginia and the Florida panhandle.

Officials in North Carolina urged residents to enable emergency alerts, while schools in several districts across affected states were closed.

Meanwhile, the western US faces an extreme heat watch, with Arizona potentially reaching temperatures of 109F (42C). The high temperatures combined with windy conditions could elevate wildfire risks across the region.

This storm is identified as one of the most significant weather events of the year, potentially impacting around 200 million people across multiple states.