(NewsNation) — Blizzard conditions and wind advisories pepper the nation’s weather outlook Sunday.
Snow, combined with strong winds that gusted up to 60 mph and freezing rain, created hazardous driving conditions across western North Dakota and northwest South Dakota. The storm knocked out power to thousands of people and knocked down tree limbs and power lines.
Nearly 15,000 utility customers in North Dakota and another 2,500 in South Dakota lacked power Sunday afternoon, according to the www.poweroutage.us website.
The National Weather Service said more than a foot of snow was reported in places across western North Dakota.
The snow and strong winds will persist through the early evening in the Northern Plains before dissipating, as a low-pressure system continues to weaken and move into Ontario, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Black Hills of South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. Winter weather advisories are also in effect for central North Dakota.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Illinois and Indiana until 7 p.m. local time as strong winds and rain hit the Chicago area just after 1 p.m,
A line of downpours approached the city from the west, moving quickly at around 60 mph.
National Weather Service officials were in western Kansas to assess damage from a strong storm and a possible tornado that damaged buildings in Sharon Springs and elsewhere, authorities said.
Officials say the late Friday storm rolled through numerous Kansas cities, including Grainfield, Mingo and Winona. Large hail was reported in Leoti,
On the West Coast, California’s roller-coaster spring continued its swing from wet and snowy to warm and dry on Sunday under a ridge of high pressure.
Developing Santa Ana winds were expected to generate a brief heatwave in Southern California while pleasant conditions were predicted in Northern California, the National Weather Service said.
Temperatures in the coastal basin west of the mountains were expected to jump Sunday and rise to well above average on Monday, the San Diego weather office said.
Near-record heat is possible on Monday, Los Angeles-area forecasters said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.