The Northeast and Great Lakes are bracing for an intense winter week, dominated by snow, wind, and extreme cold. A series of systems will sweep across the region, bringing dangerously low temperatures and severe wind chills to millions.
Major Weather Systems Ahead
Round 1: Snow and Wind Through Thursday
The first weather system is currently impacting the Eastern United States. While the Great Lakes region will experience significant snow and strong winds, much of the East will remain cold and dry. The heaviest snowfall is expected to accumulate downwind of the Great Lakes and into southern Ontario.
- Snow totals may exceed 5 inches from Cleveland to northern New York.
- Higher elevations in the Appalachians could receive several inches.
- Overall, widespread snow amounts of 1 to 3 inches are anticipated in the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
Round 2: Thursday to Saturday
A second snow system will move into the Midwest and Great Lakes on Thursday, before pushing eastward. This system is likely to add to the already significant snow totals from Round 1. Snow could reach the Northeast late Friday into Saturday, potentially impacting the I-95 corridor.
- Driving conditions may become hazardous due to snow accumulation.
- Airport delays are possible, though snowfall amounts remain uncertain.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with highs in the teens across the Great Lakes and 20s in the Ohio Valley. Wind chills could plummet to dangerous levels, falling as low as 20-35 degrees below zero in the Northern Plains. Even cities like Pittsburgh and New York can expect wind chills in the teens or single digits.
Round 3: Late Weekend Developments
As the weekend approaches, two additional systems will reinforce the frigid conditions. One will track from central Canada across the Great Lakes, while another coastal system may develop off the East Coast. While snowfall could be light around the Great Lakes, the potential exists for a stronger storm along the I-95 corridor, although models currently suggest a lower likelihood.
Snow Accumulation Projections
Forecasts indicate that some areas, particularly around the Great Lakes, could see snow accumulation of up to 18 inches this week. Widespread areas are likely to experience over a foot of snow, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains, where higher elevations can expect more substantial totals.
Weather alerts and updates will continue as the situation evolves. Stay tuned to El-Balad for the latest information on this winter weather event.
