The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that millions of Americans, from the central plains to the East Coast, face the threat of blizzards, heavy snow, and freezing rain through tomorrow.
The governors of Kentucky and Virginia have declared states of emergency ahead of the winter storm. NWS meteorologist Rich Bunn explained, “The storm is still forming, bringing multiple hazards, from heavy snow in the plains to significant ice covering roads in the southern U.S.” He also noted that winter weather warnings are in effect for over 60 million people across the United States this weekend.
So far this winter, snow and ice have mainly affected the northern states of the eastern U.S. However, this storm will disrupt that pattern, bringing dangerous weather to areas less accustomed to winter conditions. The powerful system will deliver a mix of snow, ice, and blizzards to at least a dozen states, accompanied by wind gusts of around 40 mph. The National Weather Service (NOAA) warned, “For some, this could be the most severe snowstorm in over a decade.”
Freezing rain and ice are expected to impact southern Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee on Sunday, making roads extremely slippery. “In some areas, it will be nearly impossible to drive,” Ban said.
Kansas City International Airport in Missouri temporarily closed late Wednesday due to rapidly accumulating ice, according to officials on social media. Ban stated that the storm should move across the East Coast toward the Atlantic Ocean by late Wednesday. However, a new blast of Arctic air will bring frigid temperatures to two-thirds of the eastern United States by the middle of next week.
The storm began late Wednesday, driven by a strong, moist air mass from the southern Gulf of Mexico. Although experts have already defined the areas at highest risk, predicting the exact locations for snow, ice, or rain and the amounts remains challenging. Small shifts in the storm’s path could drastically alter the forecast. Some areas may experience snow initially, transitioning to an icy mix as warmer air moves in, while others might begin with rain or ice before changing to snow.
This storm has the potential to bring more than 12 inches of snow and enough ice to cause power outages as the coldest temperatures of the season arrive.
