A new winter storm, named Winter Storm Chan, is set to affect the Midwest and the Northeast in the coming days. This storm follows Winter Storm Bellamy, which has already caused significant disruptions in holiday travel by delivering substantial snowfall across parts of the Midwest.
Impact on the Midwest and Great Lakes
Winter Storm Chan will bring additional snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes, particularly on Monday into Monday night. This comes shortly after Winter Storm Bellamy deposited over 10 inches of snow in several areas. For instance, Chicago O’Hare recorded 8.4 inches, marking the snowiest November day in its history.
While Winter Storm Chan is unlikely to be as impactful as Bellamy, any new snow could affect travel plans. Fortunately for children, the snow is expected to remain as temperatures are forecasted to stay below freezing throughout the week. The Midwest will experience continuous cold air intrusions, which will contribute to a prolonged period of cold and unsettled weather.
Icing Concerns in the Ohio Valley
A transition zone is likely to develop in the Ohio Valley between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Here, warm air aloft will collide with cold air near the ground, resulting in a mixture of rain, sleet, and freezing rain. Cities including Little Rock, Louisville, Paducah, and Lexington may experience this mix, but the central and southern Appalachians seem to have the highest risk for widespread icing.
Northeast: First Measurable Snow Possible
As Winter Storm Chan moves northeast, cities along the I-95 corridor, including Boston, Providence, New York City, and Philadelphia, may finally record their first measurable snowfall of the season. While these cities have received flurries, none have experienced snow accumulation of 0.1 inches or more thus far.
- Boston and Providence have seen light snowflakes.
- New York City is yet to report measurable snow.
- Philadelphia is monitoring snowfall predictions closely.
Forecast Uncertainties
A low-pressure system is expected to develop along the Gulf Coast early Tuesday, moving northeast and possibly intensifying off the mid-Atlantic coast by late Tuesday into Wednesday. However, predicting the path and strength of this storm remains challenging.
Current models display differing forecasts regarding the storm’s trajectory and intensity, leading to uncertainty in snow totals. The European model suggests a more eastern path with lower total accumulations, while the GFS model indicates a more northern route, potentially affecting snow distribution across the Northeast.
Stay Informed
It is crucial for residents to stay updated on the latest forecasts, as the exact areas affected by snowfall and potential icing could change within the next few days. Adapting to the evolving models will help communities prepare for the winter weather ahead.
For the most reliable weather updates, continue checking El-Balad for forecasts on Winter Storm Chan as the situation develops.
