By Blessing Nweke
A powerful and erratic wave of severe weather swept across large parts of the United States on Sunday, bringing blinding snowstorms to the Upper Midwest, destructive winds across the Plains and dangerous flooding in Hawaii.
Meteorologists warned the sprawling storm system would continue moving eastward, threatening millions more people with damaging winds, thunderstorms and possible tornadoes by Monday. Areas across the mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C., were expected to face some of the most dangerous conditions.
According to forecasters, successive bursts of snow, wind and heavy rain were set to impact much of the eastern half of the country. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys said the system could disrupt travel nationwide.
“Whether it’s wind gusts from a squall line, blizzard or snow, or just strong winds, several major airports will likely be impacted,” Roys said.
In the Upper Midwest, communities from central Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula were forecast to receive more than two feet of snow. Some parts of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin had already recorded over 20 inches by Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Snowplow driver Aaron Haas in Marshfield, Wisconsin described the storm as one of the worst he had experienced in years. He said piles of snow along roads had grown as high as his truck, while visibility on highways outside the city was nearly zero.
Air travel was heavily disrupted, with more than 600 flights canceled at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports reported over 850 cancellations combined.
Meanwhile, Hawaii continued battling severe flooding after torrential rains drenched Maui, Molokai and the Big Island. Some areas of Maui received more than 20 inches of rainfall, forcing flood rescues and damaging homes and roads.
Officials warned the volatile weather system could continue triggering power outages, travel disruptions and dangerous conditions across the country into Monday
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