Unusually powerful March storm threatens to create a blizzard, tornadoes and fires as it crosses the US

An unusually powerful March storm is trekking across the country with a wide range of hazards from strong winds that could set off blizzard conditions and dust storms to severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes

t’s the first big test for NOAA and its National Weather Service that’s staffing was slashed by the hundreds by the Trump administration – cuts scientists say will have dangerous consequences for the safety of the American public.

The disruptive storm was building over the Rockies early Monday but will strengthen and expand over much of the central US by Tuesday morning, firing up severe thunderstorms on its southern side and wintry weather to its north.

The storm will get even stronger from there, and could reach “near record strength for March” as it tracks east through the eastern half of the US Wednesday and into Thursday, according to the Weather Prediction Center.