Winter Storm Warnings Loom as 110 MPH Winds and Up to 18 Inches of Snow Approach
The National Weather Service offices in two states have issued winter storm warnings, cautioning the public about powerful conditions that are predicted to arrive. The hardest hit area is set to be struck by up to destructive wind gusts and heavy snow, making travel "difficult to impossible."
Where 110 MPH Wind Gusts and 18 Inches of Snow Are Expected to Arrive
In the afternoon of March 12, 2026, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Hawaii's Big Island summit areas above 12,000 feet. It described the harrowing conditions that were expected to arrive from the time the warning was issued until 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 14.
According to the government agency's meteorologists, the storm system was expected to bring wind gusts that could reach as high as 110 mph. Additionally, between 12 and 18 inches of snow is expected to accumulate before the warning ends.
While no one lives there permanently, the summits see steady activity from scientists who conduct research and tourists who take guided commercial tours to enjoy the view. In fact, a 2024 report from the University of Hawaii stated that 36,890 visitors reached the summit via one of the tours that year alone. People also regularly travel to the affected summits for the Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience. All of that activity will likely grind to a halt during this storm system due to the severity of the storms, which the warning states will make travel hazardous.
Winter Storm Warnings Were Issued in a Second State
Also on March 12, 2026, a series of winter storm warnings were issued for parts of Michigan. The cities of Hancock, Copper Harbor, Houghton, Iron River, Kenton, Ironwood, L`Anse, Ontonagon, Sidnaw, and Gwinn are only some of the places facing snow and wind gusts. The longest-lasting of those warnings was forecast to end at 8 p.m. local time on March 13. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph and snow accumulations of 5 to 14 inches are forecast across the affected areas of Michigan.
For many Michigan residents who live in the cities that will be struck by the storms, snow removal will become a necessity. However, anyone above a certain age will need to ensure that it is safe for them to pick up a shovel before they do.
A recent Men's Journal article, based on advice from cardiologists, notes that people over 45 should avoid shoveling when possible, and those over 65 should be particularly wary. It explains that the combination of the upper body workout, static leg positioning, and cold-induced blood vessel constriction makes shoveling snow risky for an older person's heart.