Millions of travelers are facing disruptions as winter weather alerts are issued for the Midwest and Northeast. Over 30 million people are impacted by these alerts early this week, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods post-holiday season.
Winter Weather Alerts and Storm Impact
Blizzard warnings are currently in effect for approximately 2 million individuals in the Midwest. Wind gusts in this region are expected to reach between 40 to 60 mph, leading to reduced visibility and hazardous conditions.
Flight disruptions are significant, with over 2,000 flights delayed and approximately 300 cancellations reported on Sunday morning, according to FlightAware data. This turmoil is exacerbated by challenging weather patterns expected throughout the day.
Regional Weather Forecasts
- New England: Rain and freezing rain are anticipated from late Sunday into Monday.
- Ohio Valley and I-95 Corridor: These areas will largely experience rain.
- Central and Southern US: Temperatures will shift dramatically, going from 20 to 30 degrees above normal to 10 to 15 degrees below normal.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines, Iowa, has warned that dangerous travel conditions are likely. They have urged travelers to exercise caution as blowing snow is expected to create whiteout conditions in northern Iowa Sunday evening.
Travel Statistics and Forecast
According to AAA, an estimated 109 million people plan to travel by car for year-end trips. This marks a 2% increase from the previous year. Sunday’s severe weather is compounded by ongoing difficulties faced by travelers, particularly in the Northeast.
In the region, a mix of rain and freezing rain may cause ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch, impacting areas with recent snowfalls. New York City, for example, saw over four inches of snow fall in Central Park, the heaviest amount since January 2022.
On the ground, delays have already affected many passengers. Felicia Reich, at LaGuardia Airport, reported a one-hour delay for her flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She noted that while she anticipated delays, she was prepared for the weather conditions.
Power Outages and Additional Impacts
The winter storm has also led to power outages affecting over 30,000 properties in Michigan, according to poweroutage.us. The adverse conditions continue to pose challenges for travelers and residents alike as the winter weather disrupts daily life.
