lluvias

Headline: Massive Winter Storm to Batter U.S. with Snow, Ice, and High Winds: what you need to know

A powerful winter storm, already leaving snow and ice in its wake across the central plains, is set to lash at least a dozen U.S. states with a potent combination of snow, ice, and high winds, featuring gusts up to 80 km/h. This winter blizzard, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center, could potentially be the strongest snowfall in over a decade for some regions.

The large-scale storm will create hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages across a vast region stretching from Missouri to the Mid-Atlantic, impacting up to 62 million people. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Kansas and Missouri, including the Kansas City metropolitan area, alerting residents to expect blizzard conditions with wind gusts up to 80 km/h and up to 35 cm of snow, reducing visibility to near-zero.

Many areas could begin with snow but transition to a freezing rain mixture as warmer air moves in, while others could start with rain or a freezing rain mixture and gradually shift to snow. Meanwhile, an ice storm warning remains in effect through Sunday morning for parts of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeastern Missouri, with authorities strongly advising against travel in these zones due to potentially slippery and hazardous bridges and overpasses.

The most significant ice accumulation is expected to occur just south of the highest snowfall zones, potentially forming a significant ice layer from Kansas and Missouri through the central Appalachians, and possibly into parts of Maryland and Delaware. Accumulations of total snow and sleet up to 5 cm and ice accumulations of 2-3 cm are possible, with the National Weather Service urging residents to delay travel if possible and to drive with extreme caution and prepare for sudden changes in visibility.

Before the storm, governors of Kentucky, Virginia, Arkansas, and Missouri declared states of emergency, while the Maryland governor declared a state of preparation. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned, "This winter storm will likely cause significant disruptions and dangerous conditions on our roads, and could cause significant power outages just 24 hours before dangerously low temperatures set in."

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin advised those with travel plans after the holidays to consider departing on Saturday instead of Sunday, given the forecasted storm’s size. He urged all Virginian residents, visitors, and travelers to stay alert and monitor weather forecasts and prepare for any potential impacts.

As the storm tracks eastward, it will bring dangerous travel conditions and possible power outages to the Mississippi Valley and parts of the Midwest on Sunday. The storm will then expand into the Ohio Valley and the Southeast later on Sunday and reach the East Coast by Sunday night and Monday. Any amount of ice is dangerous, with even a thin layer (just over 0.2 cm) capable of turning paved surfaces into skating rinks, causing people to slip and vehicles to lose control.

Power outages could be widespread and long-lasting if a significant amount of ice forms and makes it difficult for utility crews to navigate hazardous roads. The situation could be perilous or even life-threatening for those without access to heat in the extreme cold that follows.

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper pleaded for residents to stay off the roads on Saturday, saying, "Please, please, please stay home. This is not the time to go out and enjoy the scenery." The Kansas City International Airport temporarily suspended flights on Saturday due to ice, with dozens of flights delayed or interrupted.

Travelers heading to places like Washington and Philadelphia on Monday may encounter hazardous driving conditions, as the storm is expected to leave several centimeters of snow. The highest snowfall amounts are predicted in colder areas, likely parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, with lower amounts in warmer regions experiencing freezing rain and ice instead of snow.

This storm is capable of dumping over 30 cm of snow and sufficient ice to cause power outages simultaneously as dangerously cold temperatures arrive. The storm’s forecast has several major cities on alert for potentially historic January snowfalls, with St. Louis poised to receive its fifth day with over 30 cm of snow ever, a feat that could occur on Sunday.

Throughout the storm, dangerous wind chills and widespread storms are expected across the southern U.S. On Sunday, there’s a threat of severe weather with strong to violent thunderstorms in parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, according to the Storm Prediction Center. While straight-line winds and large hail are the most likely threats, isolated tornadoes are also possible.

The immense storm will finally depart the East Coast on Monday and its impact will diminish completely by Monday night. However, on Tuesday, temperatures will plunge as much as 30 degrees below normal across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., trapping any snow or ice that falls from the storm.

Stay informed and stay safe as this powerful winter storm makes its way across the United States.