Winter Storm Warnings in 6 States; Severe Thunderstorms In Midwest

It might be spring on the calendar, but a major winter storm system, bringing snow and blizzard conditions is rolling through parts of the Plains and the Midwest Friday through the weekend.

Snow is falling over the High Plains from the Dakotas to eastern Colorado Friday. Several areas report blizzard conditions in eastern Colorado, western Kansas and western Nebraska.

Weather.com reports almost 10″ of snow has fallen in Rapid City, S.D., and Great Falls, Mont. Estimates of 20″ to 30″ of snow was reported in Bridger Range, north of Bozeman, Mont.

Winds that are pushing wildfires in Oklahoma, are also to blame for the blizzard conditions and will make snow drift. Gusts of more than 40 mph have been recorded Friday morning in southeast Wyoming, eastern Colorado and western Nebraska.

Severe Weather Threat Continues Over the Weekend
Blizzard warnings are in effect from northeast Colorado to South Dakota and southwest Minnesota, the National Weather Service says. Winter storm warnings, advisories and watches are in effect in the surrounding areas. As the system moves east, threats of heavy snow will shift to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Saturday.

Across the Southern Plains, a pronounced dryline and cold front will develop numerous thunderstorms over the weekend. Threats of damaging winds, heavy rain and minor flooding are possible. Wildfires are also a threat. Rain and flooding risk extends and increases in the Lower Mississippi Valley.