Severe Storms and Winter Weather Disrupt Spring Break Travel

Powerful thunderstorms, heavy snow, and dangerous ice expected across central U.S. this week

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive, turbulent storm system sweeping across the central United States, with only the faintest silhouettes of buildings or vehicles dwarfed by the towering, dramatic clouds.A severe weather system threatens to disrupt spring travel plans across the central U.S. with powerful thunderstorms, heavy snow, and dangerous ice.Kansas Today

A volatile spring weather pattern is forecast to bring a mix of severe thunderstorms, heavy snow, and significant icing to the central U.S. during the peak spring break and Easter holiday period. Damaging wind gusts, hail, flooding downpours, and isolated tornadoes are expected, along with heavy snow accumulations and treacherous ice that could cause widespread travel disruptions at airports and on roadways.

Why it matters

The severe weather and winter storm threats come at a busy time of year for travel, with many families and students on spring break. The combination of powerful thunderstorms, heavy snow, and dangerous ice could lead to widespread flight cancellations and hazardous driving conditions, impacting plans and causing significant disruptions.

The details

The severe weather is expected to unfold in multiple rounds this week, with the greatest concentration of storms forecast for Tuesday across the Midwest and Wednesday farther south over Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Damaging wind gusts up to 85 mph, hail, and flooding downpours are possible. Meanwhile, a winter storm is predicted to bring 3-6 inches of snow along with significant icing from the Dakotas through the Great Lakes from Wednesday night through Friday morning, leading to major travel problems at airports and on roads and highways.

  • On Tuesday, severe storms are expected from central Oklahoma and eastern Kansas through western Pennsylvania and New York.
  • On Wednesday, severe thunderstorms are forecast to focus over parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, while heavy rain may also drench the mid-Atlantic.
  • On Thursday, the severe weather risk will continue across the Mississippi Valley and Plains, with localized damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph possible.
  • On Friday, the severe weather risk will shift from central Texas to southern Nebraska and Iowa.
  • On Saturday, the severe weather zone is expected to extend from Texas and Louisiana to the Great Lakes region, including parts of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York.

The players

AccuWeather

An American media company that provides commercial weather forecasting services worldwide.

Carl Erickson

AccuWeather's Director of Forecasting Operations.

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What they’re saying

“Severe weather season is ramping up in full force this week, and it's happening during one of the busiest travel periods of spring.”

— Carl Erickson, AccuWeather Director of Forecasting Operations

“A volatile clash between building warmth and a surging push of chillier air, combined with moisture from the Gulf, will fuel multiple rounds of powerful and disruptive thunderstorms.”

— Carl Erickson, AccuWeather Director of Forecasting Operations

“Powerful wind gusts, hail, and flooding downpours are the most widespread hazards expected this week. Several tornadoes are possible. The most intense weather may strike after dark, so make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings that can wake you up.”

— Carl Erickson, AccuWeather Director of Forecasting Operations

“Do not let the calendar fool you. It may be springtime, but high-impact snow and ice storms can still cause major disruptions in April.”

— Carl Erickson, AccuWeather Director of Forecasting Operations

What’s next

AccuWeather experts say more than 3,000 flights across the U.S. could be canceled through late Sunday night due to the severe weather and winter storm impacts expected across the central U.S. this week.

The takeaway

This volatile spring weather pattern underscores the continued need for advanced weather forecasting and preparedness, especially during busy travel periods when severe storms and winter weather can cause widespread disruptions to transportation and outdoor plans.