An intense cyclone system brought Arctic air and hazardous winter weather to a large swath of the United States Sunday, with conditions expected to worsen in the Midwest and Northeast this week. New England is bracing for freezing rain, while areas further west face heavy snow and blizzard conditions.
Widespread Impacts
The National Weather Service reported that nearly 10 million people were under winter storm warnings, with almost 3 million under blizzard warnings and over 32 million affected by winter weather advisories as of Monday morning. The storm is causing significant disruptions to holiday travel, with an estimated near-10,000 flights delayed late Sunday.
Minnesota is experiencing some of the most severe impacts, with the NWS Twin Cities office warning of “DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING” travel conditions. Sections of Interstate 35 in Minnesota and Iowa were closed Sunday afternoon due to numerous crashes.
Regional Forecasts
The Great Lakes region could see snowfall exceeding a foot, with up to 2 feet possible along the south shore of Lake Superior, accompanied by whiteout conditions. In Michigan, the NWS Marquette office warned of “very difficult to impossible travel conditions” and near-zero visibility. Iowa is bracing for “blowing snow” that will likely create hazardous travel conditions.
Further east, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday in anticipation of the storm. The NWS Buffalo office forecasts strong to damaging winds of up to 70 mph, with high wind warnings in effect downwind of Lake Erie and for Jefferson County. These winds, combined with lake effect snow, are expected to create blowing and drifting snow with very poor visibility.
The NWS also reported that thunderstorms are expected to impact areas from the Arklatex to the Midwest, and then move into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and the Deep South. A couple of tornadoes and damaging wind gusts are possible in the Ohio Valley due to the warm and moist air.
Looking Ahead
Northern New England is forecast to experience a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain Monday morning, potentially transitioning to rain later in the day. Southeastern New Mexico and Southwest Texas could see blowing and accumulating snow as the Arctic front moves through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing this extreme weather?
A low pressure system is rapidly developing over the Mid-Mississippi Valley along an Arctic front, as frigid air from Canada mixes with a warm airmass settled across the Central/Southern U.S., according to the National Weather Service.
Which states are under a winter storm warning?
As of Monday morning, blizzard and winter storm warnings were in effect across Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What are the potential hazards beyond snowfall?
The National Weather Service warns of widespread blustery winds to locally damaging winds, as well as potential tornadoes and damaging wind gusts in the Ohio Valley.
How will you prepare for severe winter weather in your community?
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