A powerful cross-country storm is set to bring dangerous weather to millions, with threats ranging from blinding dust storms and fast-moving wildfires to whiteout blizzard conditions. The storm, already impacting the Plains, will strengthen as it moves into the Midwest, creating widespread hazards.
Wildfire Outbreak Expected as Winds Intensify
Forecasters warn that gusts up to 80 mph could spark a wildfire outbreak across parts of New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 (critical) fire weather risk, meaning vegetation is primed for ignition and rapid spread.
- Texas Plains: Several wildfires ignited Tuesday, including the “Double S Fire” near Borger, which threatens homes and businesses.
- New Mexico: In Otero County, residents near Highway 82 were forced to evacuate as flames advanced.
- Bosque Farms: A brush fire shut down Highway 47 south of Albuquerque, damaging multiple structures.
Firefighters say the extreme winds are making it nearly impossible to contain the flames. “On days like this, any source of heat can cause fires to explode. We have to chase them instead of fighting them head-on,” explained Valencia County Fire Chief Matt Propp.
Blinding Dust Storms Shut Down Highways
As the storm intensified Tuesday, strong winds kicked up massive dust storms across Texas and New Mexico, leading to dangerously low visibility.
- El Paso, TX: Winds stronger than 50 mph caused a dust storm that reduced visibility to near zero.
- Albuquerque, NM: The city saw visibility drop below one mile, prompting a health alert for poor air quality.
- Interstate Closures: A 130-mile stretch of highway from Arizona to Las Cruces, NM, was shut down due to hazardous conditions.
The National Weather Service in El Paso warned: “There is no safe place on a highway when a dust storm hits.”
Blizzard Warnings Stretch 700 Miles
On the northern side of the storm, blizzard conditions will affect states from Colorado to Minnesota.
- Snowfall up to 8 inches is expected from Nebraska to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Blizzard warnings are in effect across a 700-mile stretch from northwestern Colorado to southern Minnesota.
- Whiteout conditions with gusts of 50-70 mph could lead to highway pileups, particularly along Interstate 70 and Highway 83.
Travel is expected to become “treacherous and potentially life-threatening”, according to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Iowa.
Severe Thunderstorms to Target Midwest & Gulf Coast
Thunderstorms will develop Wednesday afternoon from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast.
- Iowa: Storms could bring damaging hail and strong winds overnight.
- Mississippi & Alabama: A few tornadoes cannot be ruled out as storms intensify.
Though this storm system is less severe than last weekend’s deadly tornado outbreak, it could still hinder recovery efforts in communities recently hit by extreme weather.
Drastic Temperature Drops Expected
The storm will also bring a dramatic temperature swing.
- Omaha, Nebraska: Temperatures will plummet nearly 50 degrees in 24 hours, dropping from the upper 70s to near freezing.
- Central U.S.: Many states will experience rapid cooling, increasing the risk of flash freezing and icy conditions.
What’s Next?
As the storm moves eastward, additional winter weather alerts, fire warnings, and severe thunderstorm watches are likely. Officials urge residents to stay alert, avoid travel during whiteout or dust storm conditions, and prepare for possible evacuations due to wildfires.
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