An intense cyclone system is bringing a winter storm across the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions, extreme cold, and damaging winds from Montana to Maine, and from Texas to Pennsylvania.
Impact of the Storm
On Sunday afternoon, over eight million people found themselves under winter storm warnings. Almost two million were facing blizzard warnings. Meteorologists predict that an arctic front meeting warm air could evolve into a ‘bomb cyclone’ across the Midwest and Great Lakes by Monday.
What is a Bomb Cyclone?
A bomb cyclone, or bombogenesis, refers to a rapidly deepening area of low pressure generating severe weather conditions. NWS Lead Forecaster Bob Oravec mentioned that significant snowfall is expected across several states.
Areas Affected by Heavy Snow
- East Central Minnesota to Northern Wisconsin: Anticipated snow accumulations of 6-12 inches.
- Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Dangerous blizzard conditions likely, possibly causing near-zero visibility.
- Marquette, Michigan: Snowfall exceeding a foot with wind gusts between 40-65 mph.
Local Preparations
Marquette Mayor Paul Schloegel reassured residents that the Board of Light & Power is ready for potential power outages. He emphasized safety and the importance of heeding weather forecasts. Public works crews in Marquette are known for their efficient road clearing after snowstorms.
Regional Forecasts
In Minnesota, blizzard and winter storm warnings cover most of the state. The Twin Cities could see up to 10 inches of snow and treacherous travel conditions through early Monday morning.
Further north, Havre, Montana, may experience wind chills plunging to 15 degrees below zero. Meanwhile, Dallas, Texas, faces a dramatic temperature drop from the 80s on Sunday to highs in the 40s on Monday.
Travel Implications
In the Northeast, freezing rain is expected to impact travel, particularly in northern New England and New York, leading to potential road icing. As colder air arrives in New York City, lingering snow from the weekend storm will freeze, aggravating hazardous travel conditions.
