This weekend, a powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast regions of the United States. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this severe weather system is expected to intensify over the coming days, with conditions likely persisting through Tuesday. Residents in these areas should prepare for significant weather impacts, including heavy snowfall and dangerously low temperatures.
Beginning Sunday, an influx of arctic air will sweep into the Plains, leading to a potent winter storm that will affect the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes from Sunday night into Monday. The NWS has issued alerts highlighting the potential for heavy snow and whiteout conditions, which could make travel extremely hazardous. In fact, areas of Michigan's Upper Peninsula may see snowfall accumulation exceeding a foot, prompting warnings for dangerous travel conditions.
Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania are bracing for significant lake-effect snow as the storm continues to develop. The Northeast has already felt the storm's impact, with New York City and the surrounding areas receiving nearly 8 inches of snow between Friday and Saturday. This heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruptions, snarling traffic along the I-95 corridor and leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations.
Flight tracking website Flightaware.com reported over 1,000 delays across U.S. airports on Saturday evening, with nearly 1,000 flights cancelled—both incoming and outgoing—across the country. Travelers are advised to check their flight status and prepare for potential disruptions as the storm progresses.
The NWS is also cautioning residents of the Northeast about the risk of dangerous ice accumulation. Some regions, including eastern New York, parts of Connecticut, and Massachusetts, could see ice accumulations of up to a quarter of an inch. This could pose a significant threat to both travel and infrastructure.
In addition to the snow and ice, bitter wind chills are anticipated in several areas. Parts of North Dakota could experience wind chills as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit, while northern Minnesota may see chills drop to around -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents are urged to take precautions against the extreme cold, including dressing in layers and limiting outdoor exposure.
As this powerful winter storm continues to impact large portions of the United States, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and prepare accordingly. Keeping abreast of weather updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities can help ensure safety during these harsh winter conditions.