A significant winter storm is anticipated to impact the eastern United States, bringing heavy snow and ice this weekend. The season’s coldest Arctic air is driving this storm, intensifying conditions across a vast area.
Storm Forecast Overview
The National Weather Service has warned that a major winter storm will develop, producing a mix of heavy snow, sleet, and hazardous freezing rain. The storm is expected to affect portions of the Southern Rockies, Plains, and the Mid-South starting this Friday and will gradually move toward the East Coast through Sunday.
Impact Span
- The storm could extend over 1,000 miles, reaching from Oklahoma and northern Texas to North Carolina and Virginia.
- Winter storm watches have already been issued for much of Oklahoma, northern Texas, Arkansas, and northwest Louisiana.
- Additional alerts for winter weather may be issued in the next few days.
Travel Disruptions Expected
Travel disruptions are likely across a broad swath of the central and eastern states. Road and airport operations may face significant challenges due to the severe weather conditions.
Freezing Rain Risks
- Freezing rain poses a serious threat, potentially leading to damaging ice accumulations.
- A quarter- to half-inch of ice can bring down trees and power lines.
- Areas at heightened risk include northern and eastern Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, northern Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas.
Snow Accumulations
North of the ice zone, significant snow is expected. Accumulations could spread from Oklahoma, northern Texas, and southern Kansas to the mid-Atlantic region.
Snow Timeline
- Snow may develop from northern Texas to the lower Mississippi Valley by Friday night.
- This wintry mix will continue to impact the South and parts of the mid-Atlantic through the weekend.
- Snowfall could persist into Monday along some areas of the East Coast.
Brutal Cold Temperatures
An Arctic cold wave will accompany this winter storm, delivering dangerously low temperatures and wind chills. By Friday, temperatures in parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota could be as much as 30 degrees below normal.
Temperature Predictions
- Twin Cities may experience all-day temperatures below zero.
- Chicago could witness multiple consecutive mornings with subzero lows.
- Wind chills are expected to drop between 30 and 50 degrees below zero in the upper Midwest, posing frostbite risks.
Summary of Expected Conditions
The approaching winter storm, driven by Arctic air, promises a widespread impact on travel and daily life across many states. Accurate forecasts will emerge as the storm develops, helping communities prepare for severe weather in the coming days.
