Central US High Wind Were Damaging While Also Contributing To Fire Danger And Blizzard Conditions

Where To Watch For Rounds Of Snow And Ice

Along with widespread severe weather, the nation's midsection faced a bout of high wind that started a wildfire outbreak in the Plains and pushed a visibility-crushing dust storm into Texas and Oklahoma.

On the backside of the same storm that's expected to produce a severe weather outbreak through the weekend, blizzard conditions were reported in parts of Minnesota on Saturday, where several inches of snow fell. The wintry side of this system was been named Winter Storm Marisol by The Weather Channel.

(MORE: Severe Outbreak Forecast)

Widespread High Winds

Blowing Dust, Extreme Fire Danger

A wildfire outbreak ignited Friday afternoon and evening from New Mexico to Missouri as extreme winds swept into the Plains. Evacuations are ongoing in some spots, including in Norman, Oklahoma, and more are possible until moisture returns and winds drop off.

These winds kicked up blowing dust across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, leading to sharp, sudden reductions in visibility. At least one pileup has occurred near Amarillo, Texas, due to strong winds and lowered visibilities. Here's a look at conditions in the eastern Texas panhandle: