Blizzard warnings are in effect for several states across the country, with the potential for tornadoes, hail and flash flooding as well.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a blizzard warning is in effect, with the National Weather Service predicting a “moderate to heavy snow combined with strong northerly wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph,” which could severely impede travel.
Other areas also have blizzard warnings, including Pueblo, Colorado, and Amarillo, Texas, where snow accumulations are expected to be two inches with wind gusts as high as 60 mph. The National Weather Service warned that travel conditions could be “treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”
In Dodge City, Kansas, forecasters predict snow accumulations of one to three inches, as well as wind gusts up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service warned that strong winds could cause tree damage.
A tornado watch is in effect throughout parts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee until 1:00 p.m. CDT, the National Weather Service in Memphis tweeted.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee until 1 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/SY44TpSVi8
— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) March 17, 2021
Tennessee could possible see flash flooding as well, according to the National Weather Service in Nashville.
The Storm Prediction Center predicts “a significant tornado outbreak, with long-track, intense tornadoes” throughout parts of Louisiana, Arkansas and then later on in Mississippi and Alabama. (RELATED: 3 Dead, 10 Injured In North Carolina Tornado, Police Say)
There is also a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” in Clarksdale, Batesville and Tutwiler, all towns in Mississippi.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Clarksdale MS, Batesville MS, Tutwiler MS until 7:15 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/B1MGQZvdnL
— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) March 17, 2021
The thunderstorms are capable of producing “golfball to baseball size hail,” the National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi, warned Tuesday night.
Wednesday afternoon and evening will feature more significant severe weather and a MODERATE risk (4/5 on our risk scale) is forecast. Tornadoes are expected, and strong and long track tornadoes are possible. Damaging wind gusts and golfball to baseball size hail are expected. pic.twitter.com/PqF4EzO4Ek
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) March 16, 2021