A series of complex and interrelated severe weather systems affected large portions of the United States over multiple days, bringing heavy snow, high winds, tornadoes, flooding, and wildfires to various regions from Hawaii to the East Coast.
Overview and Timeline
The severe weather unfolded over a period of approximately two weeks, beginning in mid-March. A significant multi-hazard system impacted areas from the Plains to the East Coast around March 15-17. This was followed by a severe weather outbreak in the central U.S. around March 19, and further severe storms and flooding across the Midwest from March 23 onward.
Approximately 200 million people were under some form of dangerous weather threat at the peak of the multi-day events.
Upper Midwest and Great Plains: Snow, Wind, and Wildfires (Mid-March)
Snowfall and Blizzard Conditions
Heavy snow fell across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The National Weather Service reported over 20 inches (51 cm) of snow accumulation in parts of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin by March 16. Forecasts indicated that areas from central Wisconsin to Michigan's Upper Peninsula could receive over 2 feet (60 cm) of snow. In Mountain, Wisconsin, nearly 3 feet of snow was recorded from March 15 onward. Blizzard warnings were active for areas including Minneapolis. Blizzard conditions continued, with Michigan's Upper Peninsula forecast to receive an additional foot of snow.
Travel Disruptions
Air travel was significantly disrupted. FlightAware reported over 600 flight cancellations at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on March 16, with dozens more at Detroit. O’Hare and Midway international airports in Chicago reported more than 850 cancellations. On March 17, over 3,000 flight cancellations were recorded nationwide. Schools in mid-Atlantic states closed early. In Washington, D.C., the House of Representatives postponed votes, and federal agencies advised workers to leave early.
High Winds and Wildfires in Nebraska
High winds, reaching up to 60 mph (97 km/h) in some areas, impacted Nebraska and a broader region from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Great Lakes. Gusts reached 85 mph (135 km/h) on March 14. The Nebraska National Guard deployed approximately 30 members to assist in combating multiple wildfires. One fire-related fatality was reported on March 14 in Arthur County. The largest fire, in Morrill County, consumed at least 735 square miles across four counties, destroying at least 12 structures.
By March 17, the total area burned by Nebraska wildfires was reported at approximately 937 square miles (2,428 square kilometers), described by officials as the largest in the state's history.
Community members supplied water trucks and donated supplies for firefighters.
Central U.S. Severe Weather Outbreak (March 19-22)
Tornadoes, Hail, and Damaging Winds
A severe weather outbreak occurred across the central United States around March 19-21. The National Weather Service issued over 70 Tornado Warnings and more than 400 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings over March 19-20. Multiple tornadoes were reported across several states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. A "particularly dangerous situation" threat level was assigned by the National Weather Service to a tornado in Illinois and two in Wisconsin.
Specific locations affected by tornadoes included:
- Rochester, Minnesota: At least one tornado touched down, damaging an estimated 30-50 homes.
- Lena, Illinois: An EF-2 tornado caused extensive damage to homes and buildings. The National Weather Service described this as the "most significant damage" in the outbreak.
- Ringle, Wisconsin: The Ringle Fire Chief reported that 75 homes were destroyed by a tornado.
- Suburban Kansas City, Missouri: A tornado destroyed homes and knocked out power.
The largest hailstone reported was 3.5 inches in diameter near Palmer, Nebraska. More than 100,000 customers in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri experienced power outages at the peak of the outbreak. At least 66 tornado reports were submitted across multiple states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa. No fatalities were reported from this outbreak.
Forecast and Further Threats
The National Weather Service issued a Level 3 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms for areas including Madison, Wisconsin; Chicago; Kansas City, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Wichita, Kansas. A Level 2 of 5 risk was in place for Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Des Moines, and Springfield, Missouri. Forecasters warned of the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
Midwest Flooding and Storms (March 23-26)
Record Rainfall and State of Emergency in Wisconsin
Record rainfall in Wisconsin on March 24 caused flooding that stranded vehicles and led to highway closures. Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency following storms that began on March 23, which included strong winds, hail, and at least three confirmed tornadoes. The Wisconsin River at Portage rose to nearly 19 feet (5.7 meters), exceeding flood stage. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources monitored levees in the area.
Damage and Response in Michigan
Overnight storms in Michigan damaged structures, uprooted trees, and flooded streets. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph (113 km/h) were reported at the University of Michigan football stadium and Willow Run Airport in Ann Arbor. The National Weather Service surveyed damage in areas including Ann Arbor to determine if tornadoes occurred.
- Ann Arbor: Some public school buildings sustained structural damage and lost power. The school district closed due to a fiber outage affecting safety and communication systems. Structural engineers assessed damage to Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena, and part of the roof was torn from the University of Michigan's Yost Ice Arena.
- Power Outages: A power outage at a state fish facility in northern Michigan killed 1,750 steelhead trout after the flow of oxygenated water stopped.
- Cheboygan: Officials managed water flow through the city's dam. Cheboygan Area Schools canceled classes and athletic events for March 26-27 due to flooding and unsafe travel conditions.
- Governor Declaration: Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for 33 counties due to flooding.
Broader Impacts
Flood watches were issued for parts of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. By March 24, the National Weather Service had received more than 400 reports of severe weather, including hail, high winds, or tornadoes. A meteorologist with the Storm Prediction Center described a weather pattern combining moist air with a strong jet stream, creating conditions for severe thunderstorms.
Hawaii: Flooding and Landslides
Hawaii experienced significant rainfall, leading to widespread flooding of farmland and homes, road closures, and the operation of shelters. Flash flooding was reported on Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island with rain rates of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) per hour. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen reported that some areas of Maui received over 20 inches (51 cm) of rain by March 15, resulting in "flooding, landslides, sinkholes, debris and downed power lines." National Guard members and fire department personnel conducted multiple floodwater rescues. In Maui’s Iao Valley, part of a home collapsed due to rising water. Approximately 40,000-48,000 electric customers were without power on March 16.
Eastern U.S.: Storm Threat and Heatwave
Severe Storm Threat
Forecasters predicted a line of severe storms with damaging winds would traverse much of the Eastern U.S. by March 17. The greatest risk for damaging winds was identified from parts of South Carolina to Maryland, potentially including Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. Officials in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, announced school closures for March 17.
Post-Storm Cold Front
Forecasters anticipated sharply colder weather following the East Coast storms. By March 18, wind chills below freezing were expected to reach the Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle. Warnings were issued across the Southeast and parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas.
Western Heatwave
A heat dome over the Southwest caused temperatures to rise into the triple digits in Arizona by mid-March. Phoenix was expected to experience five consecutive days of temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C). Much of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, saw temperatures approaching 90°F (32°C) by midweek.
Overall Impact and Statistics
- Over 600 flights were canceled at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on March 16.
- More than 210,000 utility customers in six Great Lakes states experienced power outages by March 16.
- Over 100,000 customers in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri lost power during the March 19 outbreak.
- Over 70,000 customers in the Midwest and Great Lakes were without power as of March 21.
- Approximately 346,000 customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan lost power due to high winds on March 14.
- The largest wildfire in Nebraska's history burned approximately 937 square miles of grassland.
- At least 66 tornado reports were submitted across multiple states during the March 19 outbreak.