Whiteout conditions hit the Midwest as thunderstorms threaten East Coast
Two storms are targeting the country, with one bringing heavy rain to the East Coast and blizzard conditions to the Midwest, and the second dropping snow and rain in the West.
More than 700 flights have been canceled within, into or out of the U.S. amid the severe weather.
East Coast storm
The East Coast storm first tore through the South, bringing thunderstorms, damaging winds and at least 10 reported tornadoes from Oklahoma to Florida. Three fatalities were reported in Mississippi, according to state officials.
The storm is now barreling up the coast with winds that could reach 70 mph.
A tornado watch is in effect for portions of Virginia and North Carolina until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for portions of Virginia and Maryland through 6 p.m.
The heavy rain and thunderstorms will move through the Mid-Atlantic in the afternoon and reach the Northeast by the evening. Flash flooding is possible, as well as toppled trees and power outages.
New York City -- which will get hit hard during the evening rush hour -- could see up to 1 inch of rain and localized flooding, the city's emergency management department warned.
"Plan ahead if you're in an area prone to flooding," the department said on social media. "If traveling, take extra care and time."
In the Midwest and the Great Lakes, the same storm system is bringing a blizzard warning from Iowa to Michigan. A combination of heavy snow and wind gusts over 50 mph will create dangerous whiteout conditions on the roads.
"Vehicles are piling up, and visibility is nearly zero," the Iowa State Patrol said. "We urge everyone: DO NOT TRAVEL unless absolutely necessary!"
Parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan could see 1 to 2 feet of snow by the afternoon.
Minneapolis picked up 9.5 inches of snow, making it the biggest snowstorm of the winter season.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the state's National Guard to give support.
"Give plows room to work," the Minnesota State Patrol said. "Slow down, buckle up and put distractions away."
West Coast storm
Meanwhile, a second storm is hitting 11 states in the West, from California to South Dakota, from Wednesday through Friday.
One to 3 feet of snow is possible from California to the Rocky Mountains.
Rain is expected in Southern California, including Los Angeles. There's not a major threat for flash flooding, but there could be debris flow in wildfire burn scar areas.
