Powerful Winter Storm Hits Plains, Midwest After Causing Deaths, Power Outages in California

Vehicles stranded along the Interstate 80 at the Nevada State line and Colfax, Calif., on Dec. 31, 2022. California Highway Patrol Truckee via AP

The powerful winter storm that has pummeled California in recent days is set to bring more than a foot of snow to the Plains and upper Midwest this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

“A major winter storm is bearing down on the Plains into the Upper Midwest. Heavy snow and significant ice accumulations are likely for some areas,” the NWS tweeted late on Tuesday.

According to NWS, the storm will bring large swathes of heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet across the plains, which will continue through the upper midwest on Wednesday.

Nebraska, Minnesota, and South Dakota were set to see intense snow and thunder beginning Tuesday, with up to 12 inches of snow expected across those regions.

Winds of up to 30 mph are also expected in those regions and will likely result in snow-covered roads and reduced visibility making it dangerous to travel. In Minneapolis, up to eight inches of snow was expected.

“Localized significant ice accumulations exceeding 0.25 inches are likely from portions of eastern Nebraska through southern Minnesota. This may lead to dangerous travel, scattered power outages, and tree damage,” NWS said.

Elsewhere, in the south, a tornado alert has been issued in Tennessee across the areas of Crockett, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Lauderdale, Madison, Shelby, and Tipton and remains in effect until 4:10 a.m.

Texas Activates State Emergency Response

A tornado watch is also in effect for Memphis and most of the Mid-South until 6 a.m. Tuesday, while NWS has warned that thunderstorms producing heavy hail—possibly up to 2 inches in diameter—could hit Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

NWS has issued a level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms through Monday night from eastern Texas to northern Louisiana, all of Arkansas, and parts of Oklahoma, noting that the strong winds will likely cause damage and may bring possible tornadoes.

In response to severe weather warnings and heavy hail in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources on Monday to help support operations across the state.

“The State of Texas is proactively working to ensure Texans and their property remain safe from severe weather threats that could impact eastern regions of our state today and early tomorrow,” Abbott said in a statement. “As we monitor conditions and potential threats, I urge Texans in affected areas to heed the guidance of local officials and remain weather-aware as severe weather systems develop. We will swiftly provide all necessary resources to address severe weather and protect our communities.”

A winter storm warning is also in place in Colorado, with heavy snow of up to three inches and winds of up to 45 mph are expected to continue well into Tuesday.

The stormy weather across the Plains and upper Midwest this week comes as California is still recovering from the powerful storm that struck over the weekend, causing flash flooding, mudslides, and winds of up to 60 mph.

Two people died, dozens of Californians were stranded in submerged vehicles and nearly 200,000 homes and businesses in Sacramento were without power on New Year’s Eve following the storm. Further rain is expected in California later this week.