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Historic Winter Storm to Batter U.S. This Weekend, Impacting Millions
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A historic winter storm is set to hit the United States this weekend, affecting millions of people across the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that a powerful winter storm, driven by the ‘lake effect,’ will bring significant snowfall and icy conditions from the central plains to the Northeast.
The ‘lake effect’ phenomenon occurs when cold, dry air passes over warmer lakes, picking up moisture and forming clouds that dump snow upon reaching land. According to the NWS, this process will intensify from Saturday, covering the central plains, Ohio Valley, and the Mid-Atlantic region by Sunday night.
The NWS has advised of potentially hazardous weather conditions in various parts of the country. The Associated Press (AP) reports that heavy snowfall, exceeding 15 inches, is expected from central Kansas to Indiana, particularly along the Interstate 70 corridor. The most intense snowfall is predicted from Saturday afternoon until Sunday.
In addition, the southern Appalachians will experience ice, with chances of freezing rain and sleet that could disrupt mobility and cause power outages, as reported by AP. Thunderstorms are also expected to develop in parts of the southern plains and the Mississippi Valley from Saturday night to Sunday morning.
The winter storm is anticipated to cover 39 cities in the Northeast under a blanket of snow. AP reports that cold winds and moisture from the Great Lakes will exacerbate snowfall, potentially creating dangerous road conditions and disrupting air operations.
This storm is reminiscent of previous weather events that brought substantial snowfall to urban and rural areas of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The NWS has cautioned residents in these regions about possible public service interruptions and travel difficulties.
Meanwhile, the California Department of Water Resources announced that snowfall in the Sierra Nevada had reached 61 inches, close to 91% of the average for this time of year. Andy Reising, manager of the water supply forecast unit, told AP that while these precipitations are positive, continued storms are crucial to ensure water supplies in the coming months.
California relies on snowpack for nearly a third of its drinking water and for farming irrigation. AP reports that last year started with below-average snowpack but reached 110% in April due to a series of atmospheric rivers that ended a three-year drought.
The continuous monitoring of snowpack accumulation is vital for planning California’s water supply, home to 39 million people and one of the nation’s largest agro-industries, as detailed by AP.
The NWS has advised drivers to exercise caution due to potential ice on roads, especially in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, where freezing rain is expected. AP notes that this phenomenon will also impact air and rail operations, with delays and cancellations anticipated throughout the weekend.
The storm’s impact could extend to the East Coast, bringing snow and rain to the Mid-Atlantic region. AP highlights that local authorities have issued preventive warnings and are prepared to activate emergency and road-clearing teams.
The storm may persist into next week, with an Arctic cold pattern maintaining low temperatures across much of the country. The NWS indicates that snowfall will continue in the Northeast, while the Southeast could experience scattered rain and isolated storms.
Meteorological authorities stress the importance of staying updated daily and preparing homes for extreme conditions. AP emphasizes that continuous monitoring will enable communities to anticipate potential emergencies and mitigate the impacts of this historic winter storm.
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