The wind has been howling across the Plains, Ohio Valley and Great Lakes today. Sustained winds higher than 30 mph have been common in the Upper Midwest, with gusts above 60 mph.
Highest observed winds over the last 24 hrs. #MNwx #NDwx pic.twitter.com/QBL4PVcHoI
— NWS Grand Forks (@NWSGrandForks) March 7, 2017
High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories continue. Gusts to 70 mph are possible in some areas of the High Plains and Upper Midwest. Warnings will likely be extended eastward on Wednesday.
Watch out for #gusty #winds today & Wed! High Wind Watch starts at 10AM Wed morn across SE MI! #nwsdtx #miwx pic.twitter.com/k3OyfCzYIq
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) March 7, 2017
List of strongest wind speeds recorded in the last 24 hours as of about 10 AM CST 3-7-17. #sdwx #mnwx pic.twitter.com/PC7DLD5iHh
— NWS Aberdeen (@NWSAberdeen) March 7, 2017
In Northern North Dakota, the wind comes with periods of heavy snow. Blizzard Warning continue for the northwest quarter of the state. Wind gusts above 50 mph is creating blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to near zero at times. Travel is difficult, if not impossible in some areas. A couple inches of additional snow is possible into this evening.
A blizzard continues across northern North Dakota. Travel is dangerous if not impossible. #ndwx pic.twitter.com/ZTjb3m14Ti
— NWS Bismarck (@NWSBismarck) March 7, 2017
A strong low pressure center in Canada is responsible for the intense winds. As the low has strengthened, the winds have increased. Downed trees and branches are possible, along with power outages where the wind is strongest.
Curious why our winds seem exceptionally strong today? #ndwx pic.twitter.com/52oAj9b2s5
— NWS Bismarck (@NWSBismarck) March 7, 2017
Strong westerly winds may lead to downed branches and power outages during the day, Wednesday. #wmiwx #miwx pic.twitter.com/mHZe9alZaL
— NWS Grand Rapids (@NWSGrandRapids) March 7, 2017
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels