Severe Winter Weather: 15 States Bracing for Snow, Ice, and Travel Disruptions

Multiple winter storms are set to impact the United States, with travel warnings now in effect for 15 states as snow and icy conditions are expected to affect areas from the Midwest to the East Coast. These storms are part of an ongoing winter weather pattern that has already caused disruptions across the country.

The first storm will start spreading snow from the Midwest to the central Appalachians, beginning Wednesday evening and continuing into Thursday night. A second storm will bring a mix of rain, snow, and icy conditions to the northwest Gulf Coast and the Great Lakes starting Friday. The third and most severe storm will hit Sunday and Monday, bringing snow and icy weather across 12 states, potentially causing widespread travel delays and hazardous conditions.

Impacted States and Regions

The winter storms are expected to affect states along the path of the storms, including:

• Western North Carolina and Virginia
• Eastern Kentucky and Ohio
• West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
• New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts
• Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

These states will see varying amounts of snow, ice, and wintery mixes, with the most significant impacts expected in the central Appalachians, the Piedmont, and parts of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

Detailed Timeline of the Storms

1. Wednesday to Thursday: First Storm The first storm will bring one to three inches of snow across the Midwest and central Appalachians. Areas near the Great Lakes and higher elevations of West Virginia to southwestern Pennsylvania could see up to six inches of snow. This storm is expected to move quickly, with snow spreading from Wednesday evening to Thursday night.
2. Friday to Saturday: Second Storm The second storm will develop on Friday, bringing rain, snow, and a wintery mix. It will affect regions along the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic coast, and southeastern New England. Cold temperatures will cause icy conditions, particularly in the Appalachians and Piedmont regions. The storm will likely cause slick roads and travel delays in these areas.
3. Sunday to Monday: Third and Strongest Storm The third storm will arrive on Sunday, bringing widespread snow and icy conditions from the coastal Northeast to the interior Southeast. Snow and a wintery mix are expected from Sunday into Monday, affecting areas from New York to the Tennessee Valley. The severity of this storm will depend on its strength. If it strengthens, it could stretch as far as the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and the Appalachians, while a weaker version may result in spotty snow and ice.
   • The Southeast will experience rain and thunderstorms from Friday night to Saturday evening, leading to slick roads and icy patches in parts of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, the central Appalachians, and the coastal Northeast.

Impact on Travel

Travel disruptions are expected, with slick roads making travel dangerous in the affected regions. As these storms overlap with cold ground temperatures, icy patches are likely to form, particularly in higher elevations and parts of the Piedmont region. By Sunday, enough cold air will have moved in to create significant snow and ice from the coastal Northeast to the Southeast, causing travel delays.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty has warned that although snow is likely to have cleared from Washington, DC, in time for the Presidential inauguration on Monday, slippery conditions may still cause problems for travelers heading to the nation’s capital from Sunday to early Monday morning.

Air travel will also be impacted, with potential delays in flights to and from affected airports over the weekend and into early next week.

Ongoing Winter Weather Pattern

This series of storms is part of a broader winter weather pattern that has already been battering the eastern United States since the start of the year. Arctic blasts have caused record-low temperatures, and two storms, Blair and Cora, have already hit the country, leaving behind snow and icy conditions.

The severe winter weather has led to significant disruptions, and temperatures are expected to remain below average for the third consecutive week. For example, in Washington DC, temperatures will be in the 20s F (around -6°C) on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Chicago is forecast to experience highs in the upper single digits to low teens F (-13°C to -9°C).

What to Expect for the Week Ahead

The upcoming week will continue to feel like winter, with temperatures 10 to 20°F below average across the United States. Any snow or ice that accumulates during these storms is expected to stick around, especially in the Midwest, Northeast, and higher elevations of the Southeast.

In New England, hazardous travel conditions are expected from Sunday night into Monday. Drivers and travelers should be prepared for icy roads and potential delays, particularly in areas along Interstate 95 and the coastal Northeast.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather updates and advisories, especially if you’re planning to travel. Stay updated on the timing and severity of storms in your area.
• Travel Cautiously: If you’re planning to travel in impacted areas, be prepared for slick roads and slow-moving traffic. If possible, delay travel until conditions improve.
• Prepare Your Home: Ensure your home is ready for cold weather by checking heating systems, insulating pipes, and keeping emergency supplies on hand.

These back-to-back storms highlight the need to stay prepared for severe winter weather. As the storms continue to move across the country, it’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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