Storm Brings Two Strong Winter Systems With Wind, Heavy Snow and Blizzard Risk
A late-season storm will bring two strong winter systems this week, producing extreme winds, heavy snow and potential blizzard conditions across the northern tier of the United States. Cold air from Canada combined with two separate pieces of energy riding along the U. S. -Canada border will drive the events from the Pacific Northwest into the Northern Plains and onward into the Great Lakes through March 15 (ET). The immediate concerns are widespread gusts, heavy accumulations along and south of the border, and episodes of reduced visibility that could reach blizzard thresholds in places.
Storm Track and Immediate Impacts
The first system moves into the Pacific Northwest on March 11 (ET) and into the Northern Plains on March 12 (ET). Sharp temperature contrasts from the Canadian Prairies to the Central Plains will deepen a low-pressure center near the border and drive extremely strong winds. Widespread wind gusts of 50-60 mph are expected south of the low track on the primary high-wind day, with peak gusts forecast to exceed 70 mph across Montana, Wyoming and into the western Dakotas and Nebraska on that day. A band of moderate to heavy snow is developing on the northern side of the track and will push into the Upper Midwest late on March 12 (ET) and into the Great Lakes region on March 13 (ET).
Expanded Details and Snow Totals
Lake enhancement off the recently opening Great Lakes is expected to increase snowfall in parts of the region. For the first system, forecasts call for 3-6 inches of snow along the U. S. -Canada border with enhanced amounts of 6-12 inches across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan due to lake enhancement. The second system, arriving later, is projected to produce heavier widespread snowfall and carries a higher risk of blizzard conditions. That second low moves into the Northern Plains on March 14 (ET), tracks a touch farther south through northeast Wyoming and northern Nebraska, continues through Iowa and then deepens as it reaches the Great Lakes on March 15 (ET). Lake-effect snow may persist after the second system passes, extending the snowfall threat into March 16 (ET).
What’s Next
Over the next several days authorities and travelers should expect alternating periods of high winds and heavy snow across the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Overlap of wind and snow in localized areas could produce significantly reduced visibility and at least localized blizzard conditions; in many places wind hazards and snow hazards will remain somewhat separate but both will pose disruption risks. Snow totals are still being refined by models, but there is a notable risk of 6-12 inches in parts of the affected corridor as the second system moves through. Preparations, travel adjustments and close monitoring of conditions are warranted as the two systems progress and as the storm threat evolves through March 16 (ET).
