Blizzard Conditions Forecast Across Multiple States

Heavy snow and high winds prompt winter storm warnings in the Upper Midwest, Northern Rockies, and Pacific Northwest

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:40am

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A powerful winter storm system has triggered National Weather Service alerts across 16 states, with forecasters warning of up to 5 feet of snow, blizzard conditions, and potentially life-threatening travel in parts of the Upper Midwest, Northern Rockies, and Pacific Northwest through the weekend. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions that could lead to power outages and backcountry emergencies.

Why it matters

This late-winter storm has the potential to cause widespread disruptions and dangerous conditions across a large swath of the country, impacting travel, infrastructure, and outdoor recreation. The combination of heavy snowfall and high winds raises concerns about public safety, especially in more remote mountain regions.

The details

The most dangerous impacts are concentrated in the Upper Midwest, the Northern Rockies, the Pacific Northwest mountains, and Hawaii's highest peaks. In northeastern Minnesota, forecasters warn of whiteout conditions with wind gusts up to 55 mph and visibility dropping below a quarter mile. Travel is described as treacherous and potentially life-threatening. In the Northern Rockies, warnings call for 20 to 50 inches of snow in higher elevations, with 'extreme winter storm impacts' and advice against travel in mountainous areas. The Washington and Oregon Cascades could see 1 to 3 feet of snow, with the potential for widespread power outages and prolonged mountain pass closures. Even Hawaii's Big Island summits face the threat of 12 to 18 inches of snow and hurricane-force winds.

  • The winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect through Friday and, in some regions, into Sunday and Monday.
  • Blizzard conditions are possible in parts of northeastern Minnesota until early Friday afternoon.
  • Winter storm warnings in northern Wisconsin are in effect through early Friday afternoon.
  • Winter storm warnings in the Northern Rockies and Inland Northwest are in effect through Saturday.
  • Winter storm warnings in the Pacific Northwest mountains are in effect through late Friday night or early Saturday.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

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What’s next

Forecasters warn that additional heavy snow and strong winds could persist into Sunday and Monday, particularly in areas currently under winter storm watches.

The takeaway

This late-winter storm serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather conditions, especially in remote and mountainous areas where the impacts can be most severe. Residents should heed all weather warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this potentially dangerous event.