A widespread and erratic pattern of severe weather impacted much of the U.S. On Sunday, bringing heavy snow and impassable roads to the Upper Midwest and damaging winds to the Plains. Hawaii continued to experience severe flooding, although portions of the mid-South prepared for late-day thunderstorms.
Widespread Disruptions
Forecasters predicted the storms would move eastward by Monday, posing the greatest risk of high winds and tornadoes to mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys stated that the eastern half of the United States was set to experience “successive punches of snow, wind and severe weather.”
The storms are expected to impact air travel. More than 600 flights were canceled at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Sunday. Dozens of flights through Detroit were as well canceled. O’Hare and Midway international airports in Chicago reported over 850 cancellations, anticipating rain and snow overnight into Monday.
Hawaii Faces Flooding and Landslides
Rain continued to fall in Hawaii on Sunday, causing flooding of farmland and homes, road closures, and the opening of shelters. Approximately 40,000 electric customers were without power by midday Sunday. Flash flooding has been a major issue in Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) per hour overnight.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen reported flooding, landslides, sinkholes, debris, and downed power lines. National Guard members and fire department workers conducted multiple floodwater rescues. Tom and Carrie Bashaw experienced the collapse of part of their home in Iao Valley, Maui, due to rising waters. Maui resident Jesse Wald, a real estate broker, noted that the rainfall was the heaviest he had seen in 20 years.
Severe Weather Across the Midwest and Plains
An area from central Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was expected to receive over 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow, with potentially higher amounts on the peninsula. Lower snow accumulations in Chicago and Milwaukee were anticipated to cause commuter issues on Monday. Over 20 inches (51 centimeters) of snow had already fallen in parts of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, leading to warnings of low visibility and snow-covered roads.
Wisconsin snowplow driver Aaron Haas described the storm as one of the worst he had seen in years, stacking snow piles as high as his truck. Jim Allen, a resident of the Upper Peninsula, stated his family had stocked up on supplies and was prepared to clear snow multiple times.
In Nebraska, 30 National Guard members were deployed to combat wildfires. A high-wind warning was issued for most of the state, with gusts up to 60 mph (97 kph) possible amid falling snow.
Storms Expected to Move East
The weather service warned that a line of severe storms with damaging winds would cross the Eastern U.S. By late Monday, beginning Sunday afternoon and moving across the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio valleys. The threat was expected to reach the Appalachians early Monday and the East Coast later that day, with the potential for “severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and several tornadoes.”
The area from parts of South Carolina to Maryland was considered most at risk for damaging winds Monday afternoon, potentially including Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. A lower risk extended north to New York and south to Florida, with possible thunderstorms in New England. Schools in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, were scheduled to be closed Monday, and residents were urged to enable emergency alerts for expected wind gusts of 74 mph (119 kph).
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently experiencing severe weather?
The Upper Midwest is experiencing heavy snow, while Hawaii is facing severe flooding. The Plains have been impacted by damaging winds, and portions of the mid-South are preparing for thunderstorms.
What is the forecast for Monday?
The storms are expected to spread eastward, with mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C., at greatest risk for high winds and tornadoes.
How many flights have been canceled?
More than 600 flights were canceled at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, and over 850 flights were canceled at O’Hare and Midway international airports in Chicago.
As these storms continue to evolve, how will communities balance safety precautions with the need to maintain essential services?
