Ten million Midwest residents face winter weather alerts

A powerful storm system has brought blizzard conditions and tornadoes to the Midwest just as spring officially begins. Ten million people are under winter weather alerts as the storm moves eastward, causing significant damage across several states. In the Midwest, heavy snowfall exceeded one foot in some areas. Iowa reported top totals of 14.5 inches in Lakota and 12 inches in Algona and Waco, Nebraska. Dangerous whiteout conditions led to road closures and multiple car accidents. Nebraska officials advised residents to stay off the roads, calling this storm the worst of the season. Alongside the snow, tornadoes have also caused destruction. In Gary, Indiana, tornadoes ripped roofs off buildings, while north-central Illinois reported eight tornado sightings. Strong winds were felt across the region, with speeds reaching 91 mph in New Mexico and 81 mph in Texas. In addition to winter weather, southern states are battling wildfires fueled by windy conditions. Firefighters are responding to 38 active wildfires in Arkansas. A large brush fire in Miami-Dade, Florida, has spread to 14,000 acres and is only 20% contained, prompting red flag warnings due to fire risks. As of Thursday morning, rain and snow will impact the Great Lakes region, potentially causing flight delays at major airports from Chicago to Washington D.C. Approximately 15 million people are also under fire alerts across parts of the western High Plains and eastern Florida. Tomorrow, the storm is expected to bring wet snow to northern New England and cold winds across the Northeast, marking a final blast of winter before spring settles in.