Severe Weather Alert: Tornadoes and Blizzards Hit the Eastern US

Tue Mar 17 2026 11:04:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A powerful storm system is wreaking havoc across the eastern US, bringing tornado watches, severe thunderstorms, and blizzard warnings affecting millions.

Severe weather has struck parts of the US, with more than 34 million people under tornado watches and over 11 million facing blizzard warnings. The National Weather Service has reported record snowfall, travel disruptions, and power outages amid ongoing dangerous conditions.

Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzard conditions are set to strike parts of the eastern US, causing significant disruption and danger to millions.

As of recent reports, over 34 million people are currently under tornado watches, spanning from Florida up to New Jersey. In addition, nearly 3 feet of snow has blanketed areas in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The severe weather system is expected to continue moving off the east coast into the Atlantic by Tuesday, leaving behind a trail of dangerously cold temperatures.

In total, more than 11 million individuals are under blizzard warnings, with an additional four million facing winter storm warnings, as confirmed by CBS News.

The impact of the storm has also extended to air travel, with nearly 4,600 flights canceled and more than 11,300 delayed by Monday evening. The majority of disruptions have been reported at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York.

Power outages are another consequence of the severe weather, with over 406,000 customers left without electricity, particularly affecting Michigan, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Minnesota has seen over 25 inches of snow in some areas, with more on the way. Authorities warn of treacherous travel conditions due to whiteout scenarios. State officials, such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have mobilized the National Guard to assist with emergency operations.

Severe thunderstorms are also forecast in North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia, with the NWS cautioning that hail and possible tornadoes are expected. Tornado warnings were issued earlier today in parts of northern Virginia and Florida.

In addition to the winter storm on the east coast, parts of southern California, Arizona, and Nevada are preparing for extreme heat this week, with temperatures soaring near 109°F in Arizona.

Nationally and internationally, the ongoing weather events are significant, affecting approximately 200 million people across multiple states and causing concerns of flash flooding and hazardous conditions in various regions.