A significant winter storm is forecasted to bring a mix of ice and snow to the upper Midwest on Thursday. As the storm system progresses, it will move into the lower Northeast by Friday and is expected to taper off by Saturday morning. This weather event is anticipated to bring hazardous conditions, so residents should prepare accordingly.
On Thursday evening, freezing rain is predicted to affect northern Minneapolis and various parts of Wisconsin. This icy weather will advance into Michigan on Friday morning, later reaching western and central Pennsylvania as the day unfolds. Central and western Pennsylvania are expected to experience the most significant impacts, with substantial ice accumulation likely.
New York City is anticipated to see the onset of snow flurries as early as noon on Thursday, though the majority of the snowfall is expected to commence after 4 p.m. Snow is likely to continue through Thursday night, impacting upstate New York, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. However, Boston is not expected to receive substantial snowfall.
Heavy to moderate snowfall is expected to diminish by 4 a.m. on Sunday, with total snowfall expected to cease entirely by Saturday morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Areas including New York City, northern New Jersey, the southern Hudson Valley, and western Pennsylvania are predicted to see the most significant snow accumulation, potentially exceeding half a foot. Some locations may even record up to 8 or 9 inches of snow.
In central Pennsylvania, areas such as Johnstown and Clarion could see ice accumulation exceeding a quarter of an inch. This poses a serious risk for drivers, particularly along major highways such as I-80 and I-70, where extreme caution is advised. High levels of icing may also lead to power outages, further complicating the situation.
Northeastern West Virginia, along with central and northwestern Pennsylvania, could experience up to 0.2 inches of ice accumulation. This risk extends into much of Michigan, including the city of Detroit. Driving conditions are expected to be particularly treacherous on untreated surfaces, making it crucial for motorists to remain vigilant.
As the storm progresses, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore may also see some ice accumulation Friday and into Friday night. Residents in these areas should remain alert as conditions could deteriorate swiftly.
In summary, the approaching winter storm poses significant risks across the upper Midwest and Northeast. With expectations of both ice and snow, affected areas should prepare for potential travel disruptions and power outages. Stay tuned for updates and exercise caution if you must travel during this storm.