CIRA Satellite Library

A pair of powerful storms are sweeping across North America, wrecking havoc with violent winds, severe weather, and winter storms and blizzards.

On March 12, 2026, a clipper low system moved across the northern US, creating an intense windstorm that brought very strong winds and wind gusts across the middle of the country, with the highest wind gusts reaching over 100 mph (160 kph). The storm lead to many power outages, as well as travel issues which saw toppled vehicles and the closing of highways and interstates. The strong winds also aided in the rapid growth of several large wildfires in the High Plains. As the windy clipper system moved east, it also brought a winter storm to the Great Lakes region and Northeast US.

The system right on its heels is forecasted to be even stronger. Partially fueled by moisture from the Pacific Ocean, which has already drenched the Pacific Northwest and set rainfall records, this storm is expected to intensify as moves across the US from March 14 – 16, 2026, possibly becoming a bomb cyclone. Along with delivering another potentially fierce windstorm, this storm system will also bring major winter storm and blizzard conditions to the Upper Midwest, as well as an enhanced risk of severe weather for parts of the central and eastern US.

For more information, visit the Weather Prediction Center and the Storm Prediction Center.