Severe storms pummel parts of U.S. with snow, high winds, and risk of tornados A widespread and unpredictable pattern of severe weather swept across much of the United States on Sunday, bringing heavy snowfall to the Upper Midwest while damaging winds spread across the Plains. The storm system, which included the potential for tornadoes, created hazardous conditions, with roads becoming impassable in some areas. Forecasters warned of significant impacts, particularly in the mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C., where high winds and tornado threats were most likely. The National Weather Service issued alerts about a line of severe storms with damaging winds moving through the Eastern U.S. The storm system, which began on Sunday, was expected to cross the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio valleys before heading toward the Appalachians and the East Coast. Officials predicted "severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and several tornadoes" would affect the region. The area from South Carolina to Maryland was identified as the most vulnerable, with cities like Raleigh, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., facing the highest risk. Schools in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, were closed on Monday as a precaution. Governor Josh Stein urged residents to enable emergency alerts on their phones ahead of wind gusts reaching 74 mph (119 kph). AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys noted that major airports could be impacted by the storm, with wind gusts, blizzards, or snow contributing to disruptions. In the Upper Midwest, heavy snowfall was expected, with areas from central Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula likely to receive over 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow.#national_weather_service #minneapolis_saint_paul_international_airport #ohare_airport #midway_airport #maui_county
