Winter Storm Warnings Issued for 6 States as 100+ MPH Winds and 3 Feet of Snow Emerge
The National Weather Service has issued a series of widespread winter storm warnings that describe weather systems that are expected across six states. Meteorologists say that up to 3 feet of snow, over 100 mph winds, and a thick layer of ice buildup are expected. The combination of those conditions could create hazardous travel conditions and power outages.
Where Over 100 MPH Wind Gusts, 3 Feet of Snow, and a Dangerous Layer of Ice Are Forecasted
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On March 15, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple winter storm warnings across Wisconsin. Combined, they described severe winter weather conditions that were expected right away and to continue through Monday.
According to the agency, snow accumulation in north-central Wisconsin was expected to "approach all-time records" as between 18 and 36 inches, or three feet, could fall north of Interstate 94. Additionally, wind speeds could increase to between 35 and 55 mph. As a result, the warning is calling for blizzard conditions that could make travel dangerous.
Wisconsin's winter storm warnings are also calling for ice accumulation of up to three-tenths of an inch. While that may not sound like a big deal, it is enough to cause real trouble. The CBS affiliate WUSA 9 described how dangerous a quarter inch of ice can be, which the forecast states could be exceeded. "A quarter-inch of ice can quickly turn into a big problem for many people, causing tree branches and powerlines to become weighed down, and causing possible isolated power outages." The winter storm warnings echo that description by also predicting the storm could bring down trees and cause power outages.
That same day, the NWS issued a winter storm warning for Hawaii's Big Island summits that would last until 6 a.m. Monday. That forecast called for a combination of over 100 mph wind gusts and up to 20 inches of snow striking at elevations above 12,000 feet. A 2024 report from the University of Hawaii states why many people will be affected by this storm, even though it will hit at high elevations. That is the case because the peaks are frequented by scientists and tourists, as the report states that 36,890 people reached the affected summits via tours in 2024.
In addition to the hazardous weather that is forecasted for Hawaii and Wisconsin, a series of other winter storm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service on March 15. They described a combination of snow and wind gusts that were predicted by meteorologists to arrive in the states of Illinois, Arkansas, South Dakota, and Minnesota.