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Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

Overview

A large winter storm moved through the region on March 9, 2019, bringing a mix of precipitation and snow. As the main system moved northward into the region, precipitation started as freezing rain at many locations. Ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch were reported. This resulted in hazardous travel conditions in the early morning hours.

Precipitation changed over to rain through the morning, before transitioning over to all snow from west to east by midday. Moderate rain (including a record rainfall of 0.86 inches at the Sioux Falls Airport) and poor drainage due to snow on the ground, created ponding water and street flooding around the Sioux Falls metro area.

Following the change to snow, gusty northwest winds caused drifting snow which iced over on several roads, prompting the closure of Interstate 90 west of Mitchell from Saturday evening until early Sunday morning.

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Flooded street in southeast Sioux Falls turning to slush as snow starts to accumulate. (Photo courtesy Galen Smidt)
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