Early March 2025 North American blizzard

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) outlined an enhanced risk across portions of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, far-western Georgia and northwestern Florida.{{Cite web |title=SPC Day 1 Outlook - |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}{{Cite web |title=NEW: Tornado Watch issued for entire Capital Area ahead of afternoon storms |url=https://www.wbrz.com/news/latest-high-wind-warning-and-enhanced-risk-for-severe-storms-today/ |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=WBRZ |language=en}} Across portions of Texas and New Mexico, strong winds from the storm led the SPC to issue an extremely critical fire risk.{{Cite web |last=Velez |first=Abigail |date=2025-03-03 |title=Historic fire danger looms over Central Texas as red flag warning issued |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/historic-fire-danger-looms-over-central-texas-as-red-flag-warning-issued |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=KEYE |language=en}} An estimated 64 million people were under storm watches and warnings on March 4.{{Cite web |last=Atienza |first=Julian |date=2025-03-05 |title=The Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: Severe storms charge East after leaving deadly destruction in South |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/daily-weather-update-march-5-2025 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=FOX Weather |language=en-US}}

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency reported that gusty winds, with sustained speeds of {{cvt|15|mph|kph}} to {{cvt|25|mph|kph}} and gusts reaching up to {{cvt|45|mph|kph}}, led to numerous downed trees and power lines, particularly in central parts of the state.{{Cite web |last=Diggins |first=Jaleesa |date=2025-03-04 |title=Strong, Gusty Winds Followed By A Line Of Thunderstorms |url=https://ema.alabama.gov/2025/03/04/strong-gusty-winds-followed-by-a-line-of-thunderstorms-2/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Alabama Emergency Management Agency |language=en}}

In Winston County, the storms uprooted trees and damaged structures. A large tree crashed into an occupied home in Haleyville; no injuries were reported. Structural damage occurred in Lynn, and multiple reports indicated trees and power lines down throughout the county. As of March 5, over 200 residents in Winston County and more than 350 in Marion County were without power.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=Tuesday storms and high winds leave damage in their wake |url=https://www.mynwapaper.com/node/14601 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Northwest Alabamian |language=en}}

The severe weather also led to widespread power outages across Alabama. At the height of the storms on March 4, approximately 88,000 customers experienced power interruptions.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jeff |date=2025-03-04 |title=Powerful US storms kill 2 and bring threats from critical fire weather to blizzard conditions |url=https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-storms-mardi-gras-rescheduled-579b9ec79b2c5f08e977e018a73aab81 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=AP News |language=en}}

In response to the extensive damage, cleanup efforts commenced promptly. Crews worked diligently to remove fallen trees, repair power lines, and restore services to affected communities.

Pottawattamie County and the city of Council Bluffs declared snow emergencies ahead of heavy snow produced by the storm.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Tom |title=Pottawattamie County Declares Snow Emergency |url=https://westerniowatoday.com/2025/03/04/pottawattamie-county-declares-snow-emergency/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Western Iowa Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Benes |first=Amsley |date=2025-03-04 |title=Council Bluffs declares snow emergency ahead of winter storm |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/council-bluffs-snow-emergency-winter-storm/64031666 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=KETV |language=en}}

Blizzard warnings were issued across the western and central parts of Iowa, with rain quickly transitioning to snow. Blizzard conditions were acheived over much of the warned area, with widespread wind gusts of {{convert|55-65|mph|kph|abbr=on}} leading to visibilities of less than half a mile in most locations, with a peak gust of {{convert|68|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in Lamoni.{{Cite web | date = 2025-03-06 |title=Central Iowa Spring Blizzard summary |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/dmx/SigEvents/2025-03-05-CentralIA-SpringBlizzard.pdf |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=National Weather Service |language=en}} During the morning of March 5, a 15+ vehicle pileup occurred on I-35 in between Ames and Des Moines, leading to both directions of the interstate being shut down between those two cities.{{Cite web | date = 2025-03-05 |title=Multi-Car Pileups Shut Down Multiple Interstates |url=https://weather.com/news/weather/news/2025-03-05-iowa-interstate-35-closed-pileup-huxley |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=The Weather Channel |language=en}} A separate pileup occurred on I-80 near Newton.{{Cite web | date=2025-03-05 |title=Semi-truck pileup on Interstate 80 |url=https://www.kcrg.com/2025/03/05/semi-truck-pileup-interstate-80/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=KCRG |language=en}} I-80 west-bound was delcared impassable between Avoca and Des Moines due to widespread zero visibility and drifting snow.{{Cite web | date=2025-03-05|title=I-80 WEST NOW IMPASSABLE from Jordan Creek Parkway to the Avoca exit. Authorities are in the process of closing IA 415 across the Mile Long Bridge over Saylorville Lake due to winds/very low visibility. Do not attempt to use these roadways where multiple crashes are reported. |url=https://x.com/iowadot/status/1897261332052746615 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=X |language=en}}

Prior to turning to snow, significant rain also fell across the state, with {{convert|1.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} of total liquid in Ames and {{convert|1.4|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Des Moines.{{cite news |title=How much rain did we get? See the Iowa rainfall totals before the blizzard started |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2025/03/05/des-moines-rainfall-totals-iowa-blizzard-warning-nws/81576460007/ |access-date=March 8, 2025 |publisher=Des Moines Register |date=March 5, 2025}}

The National Weather Service in Chicago reported that areas near and south of Interstate 80 received over {{cvt|2|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain during this storm.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-06 |title=Here's a quick recap of the stretch of inclement weather that occurred over the past couple of days (March 4-5). Waves of rain began early Tuesday AM ending with strong winds and some snow Wednesday PM. Highest rain totals (>2") were generally near and south of I-80. |url=https://www.facebook.com/NWSChicago/photos/heres-a-quick-recap-of-the-stretch-of-inclement-weather-that-occurred-over-the-p/1059725592850937/?_rdr |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Facebook |language=en}}

In Alton, the area experienced a minor snowstorm on Wednesday, receiving less than an inch of snow. However, the accompanying winds caused more significant issues than the snow itself, including knocking down tree limbs, tossing trash cans, and overturning outdoor objects. Sporadic power outages were also reported in different areas due to the snow and wind.{{Cite web |last=Badman |first=John |date=2025-03-06 |title=Snow woes |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/alton-snow-wind-storm-illinois-mississippi-river-20206004.php |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}

Wind gusts up to {{cvt|52|mph|km/h}} occurred at Quad Cities International Airport in Rock Island County, Illinois, as did a low-pressure reading of {{cvt|980.8|mb|hPa}}, occurring at 4{{nbsp}}a.m. on March 5, the lowest pressure reading at the airport since March 1, 2007.

Significant disruptions occurred in Finney County, where eleven semi-trucks were blown off the road, a building lost its roof, and a traffic light fell onto a vehicle—fortunately without injuries. Several trees fell, some onto houses, and numerous power lines and utility poles were downed. US-50/US-400 was closed between Deerfield and Lakin due to blowing dust. The hazardous conditions produced by the dust storm led to accidents, including a two-vehicle crash in Kearny. The storm's winds shattered vehicle windows at a Tyson Foods facility in Holcomb, likely due to flying tumbleweeds or gravel.{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Laura |date=2025-03-04 |title=Powerful US storms kill 2 and bring threats from critical fire weather to blizzard conditions |url=https://www.ksn.com/weather/weather-stories/tracking-kansas-wind-speeds-amid-crashes-poor-visibility/amp/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=KSN |language=en}} In Douglas County, a semi-truck and trailer slid across US-56, blocking traffic for several hours amid slick roads and high winds. There was also approximately 2,300 power outages in the county seat of Lawrence.{{Cite web |last=Lawhorn |first=Chad |date=2025-03-05 |title=From a sideways semi-truck to power outages, snow and high winds created challenges around Douglas County |url=https://www2.ljworld.com/news/public-safety/2025/mar/05/semi-truck-and-trailer-blocking-traffic-on-u-s-56-highway-near-worden-as-motorists-face-slick-roads/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Lawrence Journal-World |language=en}} In Dorrance, a dust devil shattered the back window of a vehicle, and in Norton, strong winds blew a chimney cap off a house. The storm also produced blowing snow in Goodland, creating additional travel hazards.

The strongest recorded wind gust in Kansas was {{cvt|93|mph|kph}} near Hugoton, while Wichita experienced a gust of {{cvt|58|mph|kph}}. An {{cvt|85|mph|kph}} wind gust was recorded in the Garden City area.{{Cite web |title=Severe Weather, Tornado Warnings And Watches In Texas, Oklahoma And Arkansas |url=https://weather.com/storms/severe/news/2025-03-04-live-updates-severe-weather-arkansas-texas-oklahoma-louisiana |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=The Weather Channel |language=en-US}} Rainfall in Chautauqua County reached {{convert|2.46|in|mm|abbr=on}} and Elk County saw {{convert|2.32|in|mm|abbr=on}}.

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Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans were carried out earlier than usual ahead of the storm.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=Thunderstorms, strong winds disrupt Mardi Gras in New Orleans as severe weather affects millions |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/winter-weather/thunderstorms-strong-winds-hit-new-orleans-mardi-gras-plans-severe-wea-rcna194654 |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Masson |first=Rob |date=2025-03-03 |title=Fate of New Orleans' Mardi Gras parades still uncertain as NWS issues High Wind Warning |url=https://www.fox8live.com/2025/03/03/fate-new-orleans-mardi-gras-parades-still-uncertain-nws-issues-high-wind-warning/ |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=FOX 8 LIVE |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-03 |title=New Orleans Mardi Gras parades to roll early to avoid weather |url=https://www.wwltv.com/article/entertainment/events/mardi-gras/new-orleans-mardi-gras-2025-weather-threat-officials-decision-louisiana-carnivale-parades/289-01e77a4b-32e6-4751-95e4-f6014e8cbdcd |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=WWLTV |language=en-US}} In Natchitoches, high winds downed trees.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.kalb.com/video/2025/03/04/severe-weather-leaves-storm-damage-natchitoches/ |title=Severe weather leaves storm damage in Natchitoches |date=2025-03-04 |language=en |access-date=2025-03-04 |via=KALB}}

Severe storms swept through Mississippi, causing three fatalities and widespread damage across multiple counties. The storms also produced an EF2 tornado in Wayne County and an EF1 tornado in George County as well as strong winds and heavy rain.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jeff |date=2025-03-05 |title=Powerful US storms create blizzard conditions and threaten to spawn more tornadoes |url=https://apnews.com/article/storms-blizzard-snow-tornado-e661c684a0b0507dce0e327d8340349b |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=AP News |language=en}} The fatalities included two individuals in Madison County—one from a tree falling on their car and another from a downed power line—and a woman in Clarke County who died when a falling tree limb struck her.{{Cite web |last=McLeod |first=Ross |date=2025-03-04 |title=One person in Clarke County has died after a tree limb fell on them Tuesday afternoon |url=https://www.wtok.com/2025/03/05/one-person-clarke-county-has-died-after-tree-limb-fell-them-tuesday-afternoon/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=WTOK News 11 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Tisme |first=Crystal |date=2025-03-05 |title=3 separate deaths blamed on Mississippi storms |url=https://www.wapt.com/article/mississippi-severe-weather-03042025/64014717 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=16 WAPT News |language=en}}

The storms damaged at least fourteen homes and six farms across Clarke, Harrison, Madison, Perry, Warren, and Wayne counties. Wayne County, in particular, experienced significant agricultural losses, impacting the local economy.{{Cite web |last=Carlisle |first=Zac |date=2025-03-07 |title=More Mississippi counties reported March 4 storm damage |url=https://www.wtva.com/news/mississippi/more-mississippi-counties-reported-march-4-storm-damage/article_8fefe184-fb73-11ef-bd9c-c3f80e611333.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=WTVA |language=en}} At the height of the storms, over 38,000 residents were without power, with around 6,800 still affected the following day.{{Cite web |last=Gross |first=Jenny |date=2025-03-05 |title=Storm Kills 3 in Mississippi and 2 in Nebraska Before Moving East |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/weather/storm-tornado-power-outages.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=New York Times |language=en}}

Recovery efforts are underway, with local and state emergency management agencies coordinating assistance.{{Cite web |title=arch 4, 2025, Severe Weather Update #2 |url=https://www.msema.org/news/march-4-2025-severe-weather-update-2 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=MEMA |language=en}}

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Dozens of vehicle accidents resulted in two injuries across Missouri.{{Cite web |title=Blizzard causes accidents throughout the area |url=https://www.680kfeq.com/2025/03/05/blizzard-causes-accidents-throughout-the-area/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=KFEQ |language=en-US}} Wind gusts reached up to {{convert|54|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in Kansas City, with a {{convert|68|mph|kph|abbr=on}} gust recorded in Rosendale. Light snow was also reported in the area.{{cite news |title=Storm Recap {{!}} Top wind gusts, snow amounts across Kansas City |url=https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/storm-recap-top-wind-gusts-snow-amounts-across-kansas-city |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=KSHB |date=March 4, 2025}}

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A large dust cloud caused motor vehicle accidents in southern portions of the state of New Mexico. In Roswell, visibility dropped below {{convert|0.25|mi|km|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=New Mexico dust storm shrinks visibility and causes crashes |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/czrnykln1kno |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Vince |date=2025-03-04 |title=Dust storm warnings issued for southern New Mexico |url=https://www.koat.com/article/dust-storm-warning-chaves-county-roswell-march-3-2025/64032969 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=KOAT |language=en}}

File:GOES-East view of Central Texas dust storm (03-04-2025).jpg

In North Texas, an EF1 tornado touched down in Irving, causing substantial structural damage.{{Cite web |last=Tsiaperas |first=Tasha |date=2025-03-04 |title=EF-1 tornado confirmed in Irving |url=https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/03/04/irving-tornado-storm-dallas-texas |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=AXIOS |language=en}} Hundreds of residents were evacuated from an apartment complex due to roof collapses and compromised structural integrity.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=Storm damage leads to evacuations at Irving apartment building |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/residents-displaced-storm-damage-irving-apartments/287-62fff2a9-92e1-47f6-b1df-1b485bfaecd5 |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=WFAA |language=en-US}} Additionally, hurricane-force winds reaching up to {{cvt|78|mph|kph}} were recorded at Dallas Love Field Airport, resulting in widespread power outages affecting approximately 318,000 customers. The severe winds also led to overturned 18-wheelers and roof damages in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Plano West Senior High School experienced partial roof loss, leading to flooding in its sports facilities. Firefighters in Dallas responded to multiple incidents, including roof damage at an apartment complex, where a chimney fell over from the winds.{{Cite web |last=Bugenhagen |first=Faith |date=2025-03-04 |title=Severe winds leave trail of damage behind in North Texas |url=https://www.chron.com/weather/article/winds-tornados-north-texas-20201491.php |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Chorn |language=en}} A massive haboob enveloped the metroplex, reducing visibility and causing traffic accidents.{{Cite web |last=Downing |first=Jared |date=2025-03-04 |title=Wild video captures 'haboob' dust storm that covered Dallas in apocalyptic red fog |url=https://nypost.com/2025/03/04/us-news/wild-video-captures-haboob-dust-strom-that-covered-dallas-in-apocalyptic-red-fog/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=MySanAntonio |language=en}}

In Central Texas and South Texas, high winds caused significant power outages and brush fires, with over 31,000 Austin residents left without electricity as of the afternoon of March 4. Austin Energy reported more than 140 active outages and 68 hazards, deploying all available crews to restore power.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Christela |date=2025-03-04 |title=Over 31,000 Austin residents without power as winds barrel through Texas |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/austin-power-outages-20202523.php |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=MySanAntonio |language=en}} In San Antonio's southern region, the Calaveras Fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 182 homes. The fire consumed 284 acres before being fully contained by March 5, with no reported injuries.{{Cite web |last=Whitney |first=Luke |date=2025-03-04 |title=Calaveras Fire on the south side completely contained, evacuation order lifted |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/large-brush-fire-san-antonio-south-side/273-2529902a-6c2c-4c12-a911-b91e47954ab6 |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=MySanAntonio |language=en}} In Hays County, the Onion Creek Fire near Buda burned 190 acres and was 85% contained as of March 6. Temporary evacuations were lifted, but fire crews continued to monitor and secure the area.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Cristela |date=2025-03-05 |title=Onion Creek fire still burning in Buda after evacuations lifted in Hays County |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/onion-creek-fire-buda-update-20203981.php |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=MySanAntonio |language=en}} The Welder Complex Fire in San Patricio County, northeast of Sinton, affected 803 acres and reached 95% containment by March 6.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-06 |title=Wildfires begin to die down across South Texas as winds pick up again |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2025/03/04/series-of-wildfires-across-texas |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Spectrum |language=en}}

In Southeast Texas, a large dust cloud hit Houston, dropping visibility to as low as {{cvt|3|mi|km}} in some areas and causing poor air quality.{{cite web|url=https://www.khou.com/article/weather/nws-dust-cloud-houston/285-c26cd23a-162c-4b1e-b932-8031ca260df9|title=Texas dust cloud: NWS Houston issues special weather statement|website=KHOU|date=March 4, 2025}}

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In the early morning hours of March 4, an EF1 tornado hit Ada, Oklahoma, injuring one person in the town.{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Griffin |title=Ada devastated by early Tuesday morning tornado |url=https://www.news9.com/story/67c71ad1200438f1e0607dad/ada-devastated-by-early-tuesday-morning-tornado |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=NEWS 9 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Greco |first=Jonathan |date=2025-03-04 |title=Families displaced, injury reported after tornado hits Ada: What we know |url=https://www.koco.com/article/ada-oklahoma-tornado-ok/64037142 |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=KOCO |language=en}} Ada was left largely without power as a result of the tornado.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-04 |title=The City of Ada begins clean up after severe storm causes heavy damage |url=https://www.fox23.com/news/the-city-of-ada-begins-clean-up-after-severe-storm-causes-heavy-damage/article_5a9df1b0-f93e-11ef-95ce-73d691ba5d68.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=FOX 23 |language=en}} The Owasso Police Department in Owasso reported flooding from the storm on several streets.{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Griffin |title=Severe weather moves out of Oklahoma following tornado warnings, 50+ mph winds |url=https://www.news9.com/story/67c6cc4e095710e1e39ec131/severe-weather-coverage-march-4 |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=NEWS 9 |language=en}}

File:Tri-state March 5, 2025 North American Blizzard Complex radar.gif

In Pennsylvania, pea-sized hail was recorded as the storm complex moved over the Northeast late on March 5. New York City experienced heavy rainfall that inundated underground subway stations. In addition, a wind advisory was issued early on March 6 from the National Weather Service, with gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph (72.4 to 80.4 kmh).{{Cite web |last=Alerts |first=Advance Local Weather |date=2025-03-06 |title=NY weather: Wind advisory issued for part of New York until early Friday evening |url=https://www.silive.com/weather-alerts/2025/03/ny-weather-wind-advisory-issued-for-part-of-new-york-until-early-friday-evening.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=silive |language=en}} In Woodbine, New Jersey, wind gusts reached {{convert|69|mph|kph|abbr=on}} during the storm.{{cite news |title=N.J. weather: State slammed by fierce winds that topped 65 mph. See list of peak gusts. |url=https://www.nj.com/weather/2025/03/nj-weather-state-slammed-by-fierce-winds-that-topped-65-mph-see-list-of-peak-gusts.html?outputType=amp |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=NJ.com |date=March 5, 2025}} Throughout the New York metropolitan area, around 2 inches (50.8 mm) of rain fell.{{Cite news |last=Lenthang |first=Marlene |date=March 6, 2025 |title=Wind alerts for 69 million as deadly March storm that spawned tornadoes moves off U. |url=https://www.aol.com/wind-alerts-69-million-deadly-142408267.html }} Further north, the University of Connecticut was forced to cancel certain classes early on March 6 due to a power outage on campus.{{cite news |title=Power outages cause Connecticut school delays and UConn to cancel morning classes |url=https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/ct-weather-thursday-school-delays-power-outages-20205884.php |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=CT Post |date=March 6, 2025}} However, the rainfall in the state did help mitigate the drought conditions occurring in the state.{{cite news |title=Wind advisory, gale warning in CT tonight as gusts may cause more power outages after storm: NWS |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/weather/article/ct-weather-thursday-storm-wind-power-outages-20205840.php |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=CT Insider |date=March 6, 2025}}

{{Tornado Chart

|Total = 39

|FU = 1

|F0 = 7

|F1 = 30

|F2 = 1

|F3 = 0

|F4 = 0

|F5 = 0

|Enhanced=yes}}

• Tornadoes of 2025
• List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks

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{{United States winter storms}}

{{2025 tornado months}}

Category:March 2025 in the United States

Category:Tornadoes in Oklahoma

Category:2024–25 North American winter