The US National Weather Service (NWS) on Thursday issued warnings for rain, storm and heavy snow across much of the country this week. The weather agency warned people to prepare for heavy snow, severe thunderstorms, and a few possible tornadoes across affected areas.
It said that a winter storm is expected to impact travel in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Moreover, hail, strong winds and a few tornadoes are possible across the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley. Additional storms will bring rain and snow from the Rockies to the Northern Plains till Saturday.
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Thunderstorms In Upper, Middle Mississippi Valley
According to NWS, a low-pressure system over the Central Plains will move northeast to Northern Maine by Friday evening. This system will bring showers and severe thunderstorms to parts of the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley and the Upper Great Lakes on Thursday.
People in the affected areas should be prepared about potential risks from severe weather in these areas, including lightning, strong winds, hail and a few tornadoes, officials warned. Showers and thunderstorms will also occur in the central and southern plains.
Rain will spread into the Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, the NWS said.
A late-season winter storm is underway across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest and is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, and icing to parts of the region. Expect hazardous travel and potential power outages. pic.twitter.com/NPIQjT1hZp
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) April 2, 2026
Prediction For North Central US Winter Storm
A winter storm that is affecting the northern plains, will spread across the Upper Midwest and Western Great Lakes till Friday morning.
“Heavy snow, significant sleet, and disruptive icing are expected. Snow will develop and become heavy across eastern ND and northern MN. Snowfall rates may reach 1 inch per hour at times, leading to difficult travel from reduced visibility and snow-covered roads. Total snowfall of 3 to 6 inches is likely, with localized amounts exceeding 6 inches possible,” NWS predicted.
Due to the storm, freezing rain will affect eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota, central Wisconsin and northern Michigan. “Treacherous travel, broken tree limbs, and scattered power outages are possible in areas with the most substantial icing,” it said.
A second winter storm will bring heavy snow and icing to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest Friday into Saturday. Widespread 6+ inches of snow and hazardous travel are expected, with icing compounding impacts from the first storm. pic.twitter.com/1QTcXxZEX4
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) April 2, 2026
Second Winter Storm From Rockies Into Northern Plains
On Thursday, low pressure over the Northern Intermountain Region will move southeast to the Middle Mississippi Valley by Saturday evening. This system will bring rain and high-elevation snow to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Intermountain Region. Due to its movement, it is likely to trigger a second winter storm from the Rockies into the Northern Plains. As a result, up to 2 inches of heavy snow per hour is expected to affect the Northern Rockies and Northern Plains.
“Heavy snow will develop in the Northern Rockies and will spread into the Northern Plains, with snowfall rates exceeding 1-2 inches per hour at times. The heaviest snow will shift into northern Minnesota Friday night and persist into Saturday,” the weather update said.
Due to the impact of the additional freezing rain, travel conditions from South Dakota east into Northern Michigan may continue to remain unfavourable.
“Ice accumulations may prolong impacts from the first storm, including additional tree damage and power outages,” the NWS said.
The system will also cause severe thunderstorms over the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley on Friday. On Saturday, storms will develop in the Middle and Lower Mississippi Valley, Southern Plains and Ohio Valley.
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