Weekend Storm Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Conditions to Dozens of States

Meteorologists say that the colossal system is spread over 500,000 square miles and will impact more than 100 million people in the central and southern U.S.

A megastorm builds across the United States on March 13, 2025. NOAA via AP

Large portions of the United States are bracing for a powerful winter storm this weekend.

An intense, cross-country storm is expected to deliver life-threatening conditions to dozens of states starting March 14 through March 16.

“Damaging and dangerous conditions will unfold for millions as perhaps the most significant severe weather outbreak of the year so far,” according to weather tracker AccuWeather.

Meteorologists say that the colossal system is spread over 500,000 square miles and will impact more than 100 million people in the central and southern United States. Severe weather and a tornado outbreak will bring a “high risk” of damaging storms to the region.

According to the National Weather Service, a regional outbreak of severe storms is likely to occur over lower and mid-Missouri and Mississippi Valleys and lower Ohio Valley late Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

Cities most at risk on Friday include St. Louis, Memphis, and Nashville. New Orleans, Louisiana and Birmingham, Alabama are vulnerable areas for the severe weather on Saturday.

Given the right conditions, a concentration of tornadoes is possible in some parts of the United States.

“Tornadoes, several of which could be strong, widespread damaging winds with gusts from 70 to 90 mph, and scattered large hail up to baseball size will be possible, the National Weather Service said in a forecast for Friday.

AccuWeather noted that the most vulnerable zone for a clustering of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes may be centered in parts of Missouri, central and southern Illinois, and northern Arkansas.

Weather experts predict flash flooding on Saturday in parts of the Tennessee Valley to portions of Kentucky and may develop in some parts of the Carolinas on Sunday.

“Thundery downpours” are expected to spark a flash flooding risk in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Kentucky already experienced devastating flash flooding last month. At least 15 people were killed in the February storm.

The incoming storm has already brought heavy mountain snow, strong winds, and heavy rain over parts of the California coast on Thursday. The National Weather Service had warned that the heavy rain could cause flooding across portions of southern California.

Residents in the area remain on high-alert after devastating fires swept through Los Angeles earlier this year. Emergency crews were prepositioned this week in some of those fire-scarred areas, including neighborhoods in the Eaton Fire area.

Meanwhile, officials across the nation urge residents to listen to their advice, tune into local weather alerts and prepare to take action in the event of a weather emergency.

From NTD News