WASHINGTON (AP) — From a surprising heatwave in California to blizzards burying parts of the Midwest and storms rolling into the East Coast, chaotic weather on Monday set more than half the nation’s population in the path of extreme conditions.
Widespread Disruptions
More than 4,700 flights across the U.S. Were canceled Monday, causing airport delays. Schools closed early in mid-Atlantic states due to forecast high winds. Torrential rains in Hawaii flooded homes and washed out roads, while dry and windy conditions fueled the largest wildfire in Nebraska’s history.
In Washington, the House and Senate postponed votes, and federal agencies sent workers home early. However, by late afternoon, a tornado watch had expired without significant development.
Regional Impacts
The storm system that brought blizzard conditions to the Midwest moved toward the East Coast, bringing heavy rain and tornado warnings. The greatest threat stretched from New Jersey to Virginia. Officials in New York City warned of potentially damaging wind gusts.
Tragically, four people, including a child, died in New York City Monday afternoon after a fire spread in a three-story apartment building during the high winds. The National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes in Missouri on Sunday, causing roof and tree damage, but no injuries were reported.
Western Heat and Wildfires
A heat dome over the Southwest is expected to push temperatures into the triple digits in Arizona for much of the week, unusually early in the year. California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, will see temperatures approaching 90 F (32 C) by midweek. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted this is “not normal for March” and a sign of climate change’s impact.
While temperatures could reach 100 F (37.8 C), the risk of wildfires around Los Angeles is currently low due to light winds. Phoenix is forecast to experience five consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures, a rare occurrence for March.
In Nebraska, dry and windy conditions are exacerbating the largest wildfire in the state’s history, having already consumed more than 1,140 square miles (about 2,953 square kilometers) of grassland. Governor Jim Pillen stated, “Mother Nature is throwing a doozy at us.”
Hawaii and the East Coast
Hawaii experienced landslides, road closures, and flooding due to unrelenting rains, with some areas receiving more than 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall, and parts of Maui receiving double that amount. Crews are assessing the damage, and no injuries or deaths have been reported.
The East Coast storms are expected to be followed by sharply colder weather. Wind chills below freezing are forecast to reach the Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle, with warnings in effect across the Southeast and parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. Rain is expected to turn to snow in the central Appalachians of West Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas were most impacted by the storms?
The storms impacted a large portion of the country, including California with a heatwave, the Midwest with blizzards, Hawaii with flooding and landslides, and the East Coast with heavy rain and potential tornadoes.
How many flights were canceled due to the weather?
More than 4,700 flights across the U.S. Were canceled on Monday.
What is the forecast for temperatures in Arizona?
Temperatures in Arizona are expected to soar into the triple digits for most of the week.
As conditions continue to evolve, will communities be able to adapt and mitigate the impacts of these increasingly frequent and severe weather events?
