As dual storm systems sweep across the United States this weekend, widespread disruptive weather is anticipated from California to Maine. The storms, consisting of intense thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, and the possibility of tornadoes, are set to impact numerous areas. Winter storm warnings have been issued for Upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, where a messy combination of snow, sleet, and icing is predicted. Some regions may see snowfall totals reaching up to two feet.

One of the storm systems has been drenching the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions since Saturday, with heavy snowfall expected to hit northern New England. While the rains are expected to cease by midday in Washington, D.C., New York and Boston might experience precipitation until the evening. Winter storm watches and warnings have also been issued for areas spanning from the Sierra Nevada and northern Rockies to northern Wisconsin, with blizzard warnings in effect for Lake and Cook counties in Minnesota.

The National Weather Service has advised against non-essential travel, emphasizing the importance of having a winter survival kit in case of emergency. Minneapolis, under a winter storm watch, is projected to receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, with snowfall rates potentially reaching one to two inches per hour during the peak of the storm. This winter storm arrives amidst Minneapolis experiencing its second-least snowy winter on record, with only 17.4 inches of total snowfall compared to an average of 51.1 inches.

In addition to the wintry conditions, the second storm system is expected to generate severe thunderstorms in Oklahoma and Kansas, possibly accompanied by damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Behind these storms, a dry air mass from the desert southwest may exacerbate fire concerns in the southern Plains due to strong winds. The storms are expected to persist until the middle of next week, when a more tranquil weather pattern is anticipated with the arrival of a high-pressure ridge.

A developing coastal storm off the coast of North Carolina is expected to primarily bring rain to the Acela corridor, with a rain-snow mix anticipated for central New England, and predominantly snowfall for far northern areas. While the risk of widespread flooding is limited due to swift storm movement and the presence of offshore thunderstorms "stealing" moisture, a flood watch has been issued for urban areas, cautioning against potential ponding of water on roadways.

Interior northern New England will experience heavy snowfall, while southern Vermont and New Hampshire may see a mix of rain and snow. Portland, Maine, is expected to accumulate 3 to 6 inches of snow, while northern halves of Vermont and New Hampshire could receive 8 to 14 inches. In the northernmost parts of Somerset, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties in Maine, snowfall totals of 18 to 24 inches are probable.

Strong winds are expected following the storm's passage, with gusts of up to 45 mph in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the southern coast of New England. Chilly temperatures are also expected as a fresh breeze blows in on Saturday night into Sunday.

As the storm system moves through the Plains, heavy snowfall is anticipated in northern regions, accompanied by strong winds. Severe thunderstorms are also expected for the southern Plains, presenting an increased risk of fast-spreading fires in west Texas and Oklahoma.

The storm system is expected to intensify overnight, bringing snowfall to eastern Montana and the Dakotas, and subsequent snow spread into central and northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. Minneapolis is likely to see the majority of its snowfall on Sunday before a possible transition to rain on Monday. Widespread snowfall totals of 10 to 18 inches are expected in regions spanning from southern and northern South Dakota through Minnesota and northern Wisconsin.

In Oklahoma and Kansas, a severe thunderstorm risk area has been identified, predominantly to the west of Wichita. While wind shear is conducive to rotating storms, limited moisture ahead of the dryline could reduce severe weather potential. Nonetheless, a few rotating supercells may form, posing a brief tornado and large hail risk before transitioning into windy squall lines.

On the backside of the storm system, strong winds with gusts of 40 to 65 mph are predicted for eastern New Mexico, West Texas, western Oklahoma, and southwest Kansas on Sunday. Combined with very low relative humidity levels, these conditions raise concerns for critical fire danger, prompting a fire weather watch to be in effect for much of the region.

The active weather pattern is expected to persist until midweek, with the storm systems gradually giving way to a more stable weather pattern as a high-pressure ridge builds in the central states. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed, heed warnings, and exercise caution throughout the duration of the storms.