What are the expected impacts of the late winter storm on US Plains and Midwest?

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Late Winter Storm to Bring Blizzards, High Winds, and Flooding to US Plains and Midwest

A powerful late winter storm is forecast to bring significant impacts to the US Plains and Midwest, including blizzards, gale-force winds, and exacerbated flooding. The storm is expected to move from the Rockies eastward, impacting a broad area from the Rockies to the Great Lakes. This event follows a recent "bomb cyclone" that caused severe disruption and flooding in the same regions less than a month prior.
Severe Weather Conditions Anticipated

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that high spring temperatures will abruptly shift to heavy snow, gale-force winds, and life-threatening conditions. Areas in western Minnesota and southeast South Dakota could receive up to 76cm of wet, heavy snow. The storm system, originating in the Pacific, has already prompted flood evacuations in Oregon before reaching the central United States.
Exacerbated Flooding Along Missouri River

The storm is anticipated to worsen existing flooding issues along the Missouri River, particularly in areas where numerous levees were breached in March. While Nebraska may experience less severe flooding due to thawed ground's increased water absorption, the overall impact on river levels is expected to be significant. The Missouri River is not projected to reach its crest in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri until three to five days after the storm has passed.
Impact on Recovering Communities

Communities such as South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and northwest Missouri’s Holt County, which are still dealing with the aftermath of last month’s devastating flooding, face further challenges. The recent "bomb cyclone" caused billions of dollars in damage and paralyzed transportation, and this new storm threatens to undo recovery efforts and increase the risk of further inundation.
Temperature Whiplash Driving Storm Intensity

A dramatic temperature shift, with some cities experiencing highs around 27°C before plunging to frigid conditions, is expected to intensify the storm. This rapid change in air temperature is predicted to supercharge the storm with cold air, contributing to its severe nature. This pattern of extreme temperature fluctuation has been linked to the development of potent storm systems, as seen with the March 13 "bomb cyclone."

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What are the expected impacts of the late winter storm on US Plains and Midwest?

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