Thu Mar 13 22:00:00 UTC 2025: **Major Storm System to Bring Widespread Severe Weather Across US**
A powerful storm system currently impacting California is poised to unleash the most significant severe weather outbreak of the year across the central and eastern United States on Friday and Saturday. Over 100 million people are at risk, facing a range of hazards from blizzard conditions in the northern Plains to tornadoes and wildfires in the South.
California is already experiencing the storm’s effects, with heavy mountain snow and strong winds in the Sierra Nevada, heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding in Southern California, and an EF-0 tornado reported in Pico Rivera causing damage to homes and trees.
The worst of the weather is expected Friday and Saturday, with a regional outbreak of severe storms predicted across the Mississippi Valley, Lower Ohio Valley, and Tennessee Valleys. The Storm Prediction Center warns of all severe hazards, including intense winds and tornadoes. Cities at high risk include St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, and Birmingham. AccuWeather forecasts as many as two dozen tornadoes and hundreds of reports of damaging wind gusts. The risk is heightened by the possibility of strong tornadoes striking after dark.
Meanwhile, dry, warm, and windy conditions across parts of the Plains have prompted red flag warnings, creating critical fire weather conditions. Above-average temperatures are also expected across the central and eastern US. Snow is forecast for the northern Plains late Friday into Saturday, potentially combined with high winds to create blizzard conditions.
The storm coincides with a total lunar eclipse, offering a chance to view a “blood moon” Thursday night, weather permitting.
First Piper 