An intense March storm is set to impact more than 100 million people in the U.S. beginning on Friday, bringing a mix of fires, blizzards, tornadoes, and flooding as it moves across the Great Plains. Meteorologists noted that while the storm’s strength is significant, the timing is typical for spring when big temperature differences between winter and early spring can lead to extreme weather events.
The National Weather Service warned of strong winds with gusts up to 80 mph in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, increasing the risk of wildfires. Further north, parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains are expected to experience blizzard conditions. The central region from the Gulf Coast to Wisconsin is at risk of severe thunderstorms, which could lead to tornadoes and hail, with flooding also a concern in some areas.
The storm is expected to move eastward, impacting states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida with the potential for heavy rain and flooding. On the East Coast, strong winds and a flash flooding risk are forecast for Sunday. The storm’s strength is attributed to record temperatures in the upper atmosphere in the central and eastern U.S., as well as a cool air mass in the western states.
Climatologists suggest that the storm could intensify rapidly and become a bomb cyclone with higher winds and intense rainfall. The storm is expected to be influenced by the jet stream and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, which is warmer than usual. Experts warn that the mix of ingredients in the atmosphere will contribute to the storm’s strength.
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