Weather threats bring blizzard conditions, early heat wave to parts of U.S.

U.S. Major weather threats bring blizzard conditions to U.S. northern tier, early heatwave to the West March 15, 2026 / 3:26 PM EDT / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google Severe weather threats across the United States have millions of Americans on alert for blizzard conditions, potential tornadoes and record-breaking high temperatures in the coming days. More than 11.5 million people are under blizzard warnings, another 4.3 million are under winter storm warnings, and about 20.6 million are under an extreme heat watch, according to forecasters. A storm sweeping system is expected to bring life-threatening travel conditions in the Northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes, the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes across the eastern half of the country on Monday. Across parts of the West, an unusually early heat wave is expected for much of the week. Blizzard slams Northern Plains, Upper Great Lakes A rapidly intensifying storm is producing blizzard conditions from eastern South Dakota through Wisconsin into Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Sunday. More than a foot of snow fell in some portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin on Sunday, according to National Weather Service reports, with another several inches likely to fall in the Minneapolis area amid blizzard warnings by the weather service. Warnings of hazardous road conditions were issued across Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, where transportation officials warned of worsening conditions Sunday with low visibility and snow-covered roadways. More than 600 flights flying out of and into the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport were canceled Sunday , according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions. Dozens more through Detroit were also scrapped. State officials have issued a no-travel advisory in southern Minnesota, and Gov. Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to support emergency operations , CBS Minnesota reported. Wisconsin snowplow driver Aaron Haas said it was one of the worst...