Historic storms have pummeled parts of the U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, causing widespread damage across the central and southern states.
Montana and North Dakota were slammed by the spring snowstorm, which featured 60mph winds and whiteout conditions, that is expected to continuing piling snow on residents through Thursday.
Much of the region has already reported at least one foot of snow, while forecasters predict most areas will see two feet of accumulation by the time the system passes. At least one mountain community had already reported nearly four feet of snow Wednesday morning.
The entirety of Interstate 94 was closed for nearly a day, however the North Dakota Department of Transportation has reopened the highway between Bismarck to Jamestown. The remainder of the interstate is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future.
A No Travel Advisory remains in effect for the state as meteorologists predict the spring snowstorm could become one of the biggest in a quarter century.
A separate weather system brought thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain and hail across the midwest and into the south.
Nearly two dozen people were injured after a tornado struck Texas Tuesday night and although the damage was significant, officials report there was no loss of life.
Baron Weather forecasters claim the severity of the multiple storm systems remains uncertain, noting that some communities remain under 'enhanced risk' of tornadoes and fires.
Montana and North Dakota were slammed by a spring snowstorm Tuesday. The system is expected to continuing piling snow on residents through Thursday. A pedestrian is seen walking through the snow in Bismarck, ND on Wednesday
The storm has left much of North Dakota bracing whiteout conditions. This picture was taken in Bismarck on Tuesday afternoon
A No Travel Advisory remains in effect for much of North Dakota and Montana as meteorologists predict the spring snowstorm could become one of the biggest in a quarter century. An icy, snow-covered ND road is pictured
Historic storms have pummeled parts of the U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, causing widespread damage across the central and southern states
Much of the central US region has already reported at least one foot of snow, while forecasters predict most areas will see two feet of accumulation by the time the system passes
The same storm system responsible for tornadoes in the south is responsible for record-setting snow in the northern Plains.
Billings, Montana reported 13.9 inches of snow Tuesday, making it one of the snowiest days the community has seen in decades, AccuWeather reported.
The last time Billings saw that much snow accumulated in one day was May 11, 1981 when 15 inches piled up.
Other areas of Montana reported three to four feet of accumulation. Albro Lake, located in the mountains of southwestern Montana, reported 47 inches of snow. Nearby Pony, Montana record 36 inches.
However, forecasters claim the worst of the storm is lingering over the central part of North Dakota, where visibility remains low.
Airports across the state have cancelled almost every arriving and departing flight that was scheduled Wednesday, after numerous delays on Tuesday, KFYR reported. It is unclear if flight routes will resume Thursday.
Residents across the state have prepared to be snowed in for the next few days and several school districts have already opted to close schools until the storm system passes.
'It’s a little windy, it’s a little cold. I don’t know, it’s not that bad if you have your earbuds in or something, just kinda jam out, take it a minute at a time, and have at it,' Gus Lindegren of Bismarck told the tv station, noting he was trying to get ahead of the snow.
'I grew up on a farm in North Dakota, and I don’t get too excited about blizzards. You just prepare for them, don’t do anything dumb,' echoed Mike Deisz, also of Bismarck.
Rick Krolak of the National Weather Service office in Bismarck said the storm brought to mind the blizzard of 1997 that hit on April 4 of that year, dumping up to two feet of snow in some areas, knocking out power to thousands of residents and leaving motorists stranded on major highways.
'Its definitely looking like its going to pack a punch,' he said of the storm.
Workers were plowing the roads throughout North Dakota on Wednesday
The entirety of Interstate 94 was closed for nearly a day, however the North Dakota Department of Transportation has reopened the highway between Bismarck to Jamestown. A ND road is pictured amid whiteout conditions
A homeowner on Northview Lane in northeast Bismarck, N.D., struggles to maneuver a snowblower as he clears his driveway of deep snowdrifts on Wednesday
North Dakota Dept. of Transportation workers are pictured plowing snow covered streets
Areas of Montana reported three to four feet of accumulation. Albro Lake, located in the mountains of southwestern Montana, reported 47 inches of snow. Nearby Pony, Montana record 36 inches. However, forecasters claim the worst of the storm is lingering over the central part of North Dakota, where visibility remains low
After the snowstorm wraps up, meteorologists warn temperatures in Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas could plunge to as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Strong winds reaching speeds of 60 mph will follow the pounding snow, reaching as far
