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Triple-Threat March Megastorm Leaves 600,000 Without Power

3/15/2026

42 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Severe weather over the weekend left nearly 600,000 customers without power due to high winds.
Wind gusts reached 85 mph in Cleveland and 75 mph in Pittsburgh.
A wildfire in Nebraska resulted in one death and burned over 700 square miles.
The National Weather Service warned of blizzard conditions in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes.
AccuWeather described the situation as a potent triple-threat March megastorm.

History

Historical Context

The 1993 Storm of the Century, a devastating nor'easter, struck the eastern United States from March 12 to 15, causing over $6 billion in damages and resulting in 318 fatalities. This storm, influenced by a volcanic winter from the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, underscored the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, prompting agencies like FEMA to enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies.

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Story summary

Severe weather over the weekend left nearly 600,000 customers without power due to high winds.
Wind gusts reached 85 mph in Cleveland and 75 mph in Pittsburgh.
A wildfire in Nebraska resulted in one death and burned over 700 square miles.
The National Weather Service warned of blizzard conditions in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes.
AccuWeather described the situation as a potent triple-threat March megastorm.

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