Persistent slab avalanche hazards will be the main concern across the Cascade Range this weekend, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center. Forecasters say buried weak layers and recent wind loading have brought several zones close to a “tipping point,” warning that human-triggered avalanches remain possible even under clear skies.
Another warming of the Arctic stratosphere is now underway, with the polar vortex forecast to undergo a final split in March 2026. The zonal mean wind reversal around 60°N and 10 hPa is expected between February 28 and March 1, with its impacts propagating into the troposphere, likely shifting weather patterns over Europe and North America.
A confirmed tornado touched down in Jefferson County, Alabama, on February 26, 2026, damaging multiple homes in the Pinson area. Severe thunderstorms moved across parts of northern and central Alabama, bringing strong winds and large hail to Jefferson, St. Clair, Blount, and Calhoun counties, along with strong, damaging winds.
A grass fire ignited near 84th Avenue and Huron Street in Thornton, Colorado, at 11:30 LT on February 25, 2026, injuring five people, prompting the evacuation of Pinnacle Charter High School and nearby neighborhoods, and forcing a temporary closure of Interstate 25. The fire burned approximately 4 ha (10 acres) before it was contained at around 14:30 LT.
A fast-moving wildfire known as the National Fire burned approximately 10 117 ha (25 000 acres) in Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier County, Florida, between February 22 and 25, 2026, expanding from about 405 ha (1 000 acres) and remaining at 0% containment. The fire spread under extreme drought conditions, affecting nearly all of Florida. Smoke reduced visibility along Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley), State Road 29, and U.S. 41, prompting transportation advisories and area closures.
A rapidly intensifying Nor’easter brought record-breaking snowfall, hurricane-force winds, and major disruptions across the northeastern United States on February 23, 2026. Providence, Rhode Island, recorded 96.3 cm (37.9 inches) of snow, the highest single-storm total on record, while power outages peaked above 650 000 customers and more than 11 000 flights were canceled nationwide. Officials confirmed at least four storm-related fatalities in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
A late February Nor’easter set a new all-time single-storm snowfall record at Providence, Rhode Island’s airport, where 96.3 cm (37.9 inches) was measured at 01:31 EST on February 24, 2026. At least four fatalities were confirmed in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
A Backcountry Avalanche Watch is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe area due to high avalanche danger associated with a rain-on-snow event. The National Weather Service Reno and the Sierra Avalanche Center warn that widespread avalanche activity is possible, including large avalanches capable of burying or injuring people. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during the watch period.
Two people were killed and another seriously injured after a large tree fell onto a moving vehicle in Calvert County, Maryland, at approximately 16:40 LT on February 22, 2026, during a powerful Nor’easter affecting the region. The incident occurred on Solomons Island Road (Route 2) near Aspen Woods Drive in Sunderland. The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and the third occupant was transported to a medical facility in critical condition.
Heavy snow and strong winds continued across the northeastern United States on February 23, 2026, as a major Nor’easter that began February 22 produced blizzard conditions, widespread travel disruption, scattered power outages, and minor to moderate coastal flooding from the Chesapeake Bay to New England. Over 660 000 customers from Virginia to New York and Massachusetts are without power.
