Storms and Fires in the Northern Plains: Influence from a Blizzard Thursday on Interstate 90 and the Chicago-Delta Area

More than 3 million people are under a moderate risk for severe storms on Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, in areas including Springfield, Missouri, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Other cities that could see storms include St. Louis, Des Moines and Little Rock, Arkansas – which was ravaged by a violent tornado Friday.

While some states face the threat of tornadoes and hail, others from Kansas to South Texas will be dealing with an increased fire danger as very dry brush, low humidity levels and gusty winds converge to create prime conditions for wildfires.

Several buildings, including a gas station, were damaged in Colona, Illinois, when tornadoes blew over multiple semi-trucks along the I-88.

Large hail has been the most notable impact. There were hail reports in a number of states Tuesday. Davenport, Iowa, was pelted with 4-inch hail – just larger than a softball – while Oswego received smaller, baseball-sized hail.

Even as twisters threaten the Midwest and South, winter storms are expected to plague the Northern Plains. The region is forecast to be hit by a blizzard Wednesday, a day after “blizzard conditions” led to the shutdown of more than 100 miles of Interstate 90.

“Some April snowfall records will be challenged in the Dakotas and northwest Minnesota, and the highest totals may locally exceed two feet,” the National Weather Service said.

Heavy snow and strong winds will also combine to create widespread blizzard conditions with near zero visibility, making travel dangerous to impossible.

“If you don’t need to drive, stay off the roads. It’s dangerous for you and emergency crews. If you are stranded, crews may not be able to reach you.