A powerful storm system unleashed blizzards across the central United States on Wednesday, fuelling high winds and wildfires in neighbouring states.
The severe weather placed roughly 72 million people under wind advisories or warnings, with gusts exceeding 45 mph (72 kph), Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist at the national weather service’s weather prediction center said.
Parts of southwestern Kansas to central Wisconsin were forecasted to receive between 2 inches (5 cm) and 1 foot (30 cm) of snow, with high winds creating whiteout conditions. The Kansas Department of Transportation shut down over 250 miles (400 km) of Interstate 70 from the Colorado border to Salina. Jackson explained that at this time of year, passing cold air in the north collides with warm southern air, creating strong low-pressure systems. However, he noted that this was already the third such storm system in recent weeks, marking an unusually “very active pattern” since February.
The latest storm followed a devastating weekend in which severe weather killed at least 42 people across eight states in the South and Midwest. Tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms flattened homes and businesses, uprooted trees, and left communities struggling.
Near-zero visibility and dangerous conditions forced authorities in Nebraska to close more than 160 miles (255 km) of I-80 and nearly 70 miles (115 km) of I-29 along the Nebraska-Iowa border. Stranded vehicles, jackknifed trucks, and fallen power lines added to the disruption.
The storm triggered widespread power outages, affecting more than 202,000 customers across Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.
While some areas grappled with heavy snow, others faced extreme fire risks. Strong winds combined with dry conditions from Texas and Oklahoma to Arkansas and central Missouri increased the potential for wildfires.
“Before plants are growing, there’s a lot of dry fuel out there,” Jackson warned.
Oklahoma, still recovering from devastating fires that began Friday, saw renewed threats on Wednesday. The blazes have already damaged or destroyed over 400 homes, with at least four deaths reported.
In Texas, firefighters tackled 14 new wildfires on Tuesday, covering nearly 29 square miles (75 sq km). A fire near Borger in the Texas Panhandle led to power outages, evacuations, and a threat to more than 1,000 homes. However, the city confirmed via Facebook that quick response efforts kept the fire outside its limits.
Arkansas also saw multiple fires, with winds making containment difficult. In Little Rock, four homes were heavily damaged, but no injuries were reported. Mayor Frank Scott urged residents to follow a burn ban, saying, “Please do not do anything reckless or careless, because it could create a loss of life.”
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms were forecast in central Illinois, with strong winds and hail posing further risks. Meanwhile, New Mexico prepared for renewed fire weather conditions after massive dust storms forced highway closures and power cuts.