Spring may have sprung on the calendar, but Mother Nature had other plans for parts of the US on Saturday, unleashing a wintry mix of rain, heavy snow, and gusty winds.

West Coast Winter Blast

California and Nevada saw the brunt of a winter storm warning in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mammoth Mountain recorded a bone-chilling 91-mph wind gust, accompanied by a foot of snow blanketing the area by Saturday morning.

Further north, parts of Arizona, the Grand Canyon, and Flagstaff braced for winter weather through Sunday night. Up to half a foot of snow was forecast for higher elevations, along with winds gusting to 40 mph.

Central US Braces for Major Snowfall

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of a "significant winter storm" brewing across central US regions that will linger into Monday. Heavy snow will blanket Montana on Saturday, spreading eastward to engulf the northern Plains and upper Midwest throughout the weekend. The most significant snowfall is likely within a band stretching from central South Dakota to northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, where there's a 70% chance of accumulating at least 8 inches.

New England Gets Frosted

Maine experienced treacherous travel conditions due to ice forming on top of existing snow and sleet. Forecasters predicted significant snow accumulations across Maine's western mountains and northern areas, with totals ranging from 1 to 2 feet.

Lighter snow and sleet accumulations were expected in the state's lakes region and neighboring New Hampshire's White Mountains, with totals of 6 inches to a foot.

Rain Dominates East Coast

Connecticut, New York City, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts escaped the brunt of the snowfall, experiencing rain showers instead. While sunshine is expected on Sunday, forecasters predict blustery conditions and temperatures well below average for late March.

Mixed Blessings: Disruptions for Some, Relief for Others

The storm caused travel headaches, with hundreds of flight delays and cancellations at New York-area airports. Coney Island's Luna Park, home to iconic roller coasters, also postponed its opening due to the weather.

However, skiers rejoiced in the fresh powder. Loon Mountain in New Hampshire anticipated 12 to 20 inches of new snow, adding to the base they received earlier in the week.

"This storm is fantastic," said a resort spokesperson. "It's brought out a lot of skiers and could be the biggest snowfall we see all year."

Safety Concerns in the Mountains

The White Mountain's Presidential Range is under a dire avalanche warning issued by the Mount Washington Avalanche Center. The center stresses the extreme danger, urging caution due to the "very dangerous avalanche conditions."Skiers and snowboarders were urged to exercise extreme caution.

Winter's Lingering Grip

The storm is expected to depart the New England region by Sunday morning. This unseasonable weather comes on the heels of a relatively mild winter for some Northeastern cities like Boston, which saw minimal snowfall and warmer temperatures.

Weather System's Wider Impact

While some parts of the US battled snow, others faced different weather woes. South Florida contended with severe thunderstorms that disrupted spring break travel and events, while Virginia's Shenandoah Valley welcomed much-needed rain to assist firefighters battling wildfires.