Winter Storm Iona has exploded into one of the most intense March storms on record, earning the highest category on the winter storm severity scale. The system is burying the Midwest in record snow while its warm side spawns dozens of tornadoes, and combined impacts have knocked out power to more than half a million customers with damage estimates already topping a billion dollars.

Two Storms in One

March systems like Iona carry both winter and severe weather hazards, sometimes striking the same state with a blizzard and tornado warnings on the same day. For the grid, that means snapped poles on one side of the storm and ice-loaded lines on the other, and restoration crews split between both.

Preparing for Possible Impacts

• Inspect your standby generator and ensure it is ready to activate automatically if power is lost.
• Run a test cycle to confirm your system starts and transfers power properly.
• Plan for fuel supply and make sure natural gas or propane systems are fully connected and serviced.
• Consider an upgrade. Whole-home backup solutions from Generac and Kohler deliver seamless power protection during prolonged outages.

Stay Informed

Iona is not done. Severe weather threats continue eastward, and more than one hazard may reach your area. Keep warnings enabled on every device.