Back-to-Back Winter Storms to Bring Blizzard Conditions Across Midwest, New England

More than 2 feet of snow possible in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan as two storm systems move through the region

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:42pm

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After a brief warm spell, winter weather is set to make a comeback as back-to-back storm systems are expected to dump heavy snow on millions of people across the Northern Tier of the U.S. starting on Thursday. The first storm will bring blizzard conditions to parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan, with the second storm impacting the region from Saturday into early Monday. In total, over 2 feet of snow could accumulate in some areas, making travel extremely difficult.

Why it matters

The back-to-back winter storms will disrupt travel and daily life for millions of people across the Midwest and Northeast, with the potential for power outages, school closures, and other impacts. The blizzard conditions could also pose risks to public safety, especially for vulnerable populations.

The details

The first storm will begin on Thursday as an extension of the atmospheric river impacting the Pacific Northwest. An area of low pressure is forecast to rapidly form in Montana and the Dakotas, then move east, creating a massive surge of wind over the Plains and Rockies. This will allow for heavy snow to break out over northern Minnesota and Michigan, with 5 to 8 inches expected north of Interstate 94. Blizzard warnings have been issued for the lakeshore regions of Lake Superior in Minnesota. As the low moves east into the Great Lakes, heavy snow is likely to continue across the Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes. The second storm is expected to form on Saturday, with heavy snow and blizzard conditions again impacting Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. Northern portions of New York and New England could also see snow from this system.

  • The first storm will begin during the day on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • The first storm is expected to continue through Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • The second storm is expected to impact the region from Saturday, March 14, 2026 into early Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

FOX Forecast Center

The weather forecasting division of FOX News that provided the predictions and details about the incoming winter storms.

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What’s next

Weather officials will continue to monitor the progress of the two storm systems and provide updated forecasts and warnings as the events unfold across the Midwest and Northeast.

The takeaway

These back-to-back winter storms serve as a reminder that even as spring approaches, the Midwest and Northeast can still experience significant winter weather that can disrupt daily life and travel. Residents in the affected areas should closely follow weather reports and be prepared for potential power outages, school closures, and hazardous travel conditions.