Cross-country Storm to Bring Snow, Strong Winds This Weekend

Major winter storm system to impact Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A powerful cross-country storm system is gearing up to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and the potential for severe weather to a large swath of the United States this weekend and into early next week. The storm is expected to impact the northern Rockies, Plains, Midwest, and Northeast, with blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and damaging winds forecast in some areas.

Why it matters

This powerful storm system has the potential to disrupt travel, cause power outages, and bring dangerous winter weather conditions to millions of people across multiple regions. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms could lead to significant impacts on infrastructure, transportation, and public safety.

The details

The first part of the storm has already moved through the Great Lakes region, bringing wind gusts over 70 mph in some areas. On Saturday, snow is expected to continue across Upstate New York and into northern New England, with an additional 1 to 3 inches anticipated. The second, stronger part of the storm will sweep into the northern Rockies and Plains on Saturday, then move into the Midwest later in the day and overnight. Blizzard warnings have been issued for parts of South Dakota and southwest Minnesota, with over a foot of snow and 60 mph winds possible, making travel extremely difficult. On the storm's southern side, a line of severe thunderstorms is expected to develop from Michigan down to Texas on Sunday, with the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes.

  • The first part of the storm has already moved through the Great Lakes region, bringing high winds on Friday.
  • On Saturday morning, snow will continue across Upstate New York and northern New England.
  • The second, stronger part of the storm will impact the northern Rockies and Plains on Saturday, then move into the Midwest later in the day and overnight.
  • Blizzard conditions are expected in parts of South Dakota and southwest Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Severe thunderstorms are forecast to develop from Michigan to Texas on Sunday afternoon and evening.

The players

National Weather Service

The U.S. government agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What they’re saying

“Blizzard Warnings have also been issued for parts of South Dakota and southwest Minnesota for snowfall of more than a foot and strong winds up to 60 mph possible, with the National Weather Service warning that travel will likely become impossible late Saturday and Sunday.”

— National Weather Service (wbal.com)

What’s next

As the storm system continues to move eastward on Monday, there will still be snow and wind across the Great Lakes region, and heavy rain and strong winds will move into the Northeast. Additional severe weather is also expected across the East Coast on Monday, with an 'Enhanced' risk of damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes from the Carolinas to Pennsylvania.

The takeaway

This powerful cross-country storm system has the potential to bring significant impacts to a wide geographic area, including heavy snow, blizzard conditions, strong winds, and the threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Residents and travelers in the affected regions should closely monitor the latest weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust their plans accordingly.