Winter storms are set to bring strong winds, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions to various regions of the United States. The upcoming weather system is poised to impact areas from the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes.
Storm Overview
On Thursday, widespread wind gusts between 50-60 mph are expected south of the storm’s track. Peak gusts could exceed 70 mph in states such as Montana, Wyoming, and parts of North Dakota and Nebraska.
Snow Forecast
A significant band of moderate to heavy snow is predicted to develop on the storm’s northern side. This snow is forecast to reach the Upper Midwest by Thursday night, followed by the Great Lakes on Friday. Snow totals are projected to range from:
- 3-6 inches along the U.S.-Canada border
- 6-12 inches in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan due to lake enhancement
Visibility may be compromised in regions experiencing strong winds along with snowfall, potentially leading to blizzard conditions. However, in most areas, wind and snowfall hazards are expected to be distinct.
Second Storm System
A second weather system is anticipated to follow the first, arriving in the Northern Plains on March 14. This system is expected to be primarily located in northeast Wyoming and northern Nebraska before moving through Iowa and into the Great Lakes on March 15. While this system may not produce winds as strong as the first, it poses a higher risk for substantial snowfall and blizzard conditions.
Impact of Lake-Effect Snow
After the storm passes, lake-effect snow may continue to impact the Great Lakes region on March 16. Forecasters estimate snow totals of:
- 6-12 inches across the Northern Plains
- More than 12 inches in the Great Lakes due to lake-effect snow
Wind speeds in the Northern Plains and Midwest are also expected to rise, ranging between 40-50 mph, with gusts surpassing these figures, especially on the storm’s western side. This overlap in strong winds and snow could lead to hazardous blizzard conditions, particularly over the weekend.
Potential Accumulation and Weather Patterns
When combined, both storm systems are likely to cover a wide area from Montana to Minnesota and Michigan with snow totals of 6-12 inches. Some regions in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula could receive over 2 feet of snow. The forecast indicates a sharp cut-off in snowfall, where areas receiving 6 inches could be just 20-30 miles from locations with no accumulation at all.
Post-Storm Cold Front
After the weekend, a surge of cold air will sweep across the nation, but it is expected to be short-lived. Warmer spring-like temperatures are forecast to return by the middle of next week.
Stay informed on the latest weather updates by visiting El-Balad for continuous coverage of storm conditions.
