A significant winter storm is anticipated to impact regions stretching from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic, starting later this week. The National Weather Service has indicated a heightened likelihood of severe wintry weather beginning Saturday in the Central Plains, shifting towards the Ohio and Tennessee valleys on Sunday, and reaching the Mid-Atlantic early next week.
Forecasts predict heavy lake-enhanced snowfall in areas downwind of the Great Lakes, with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches, and possibly more in isolated spots by Saturday morning. Additionally, a low-pressure system is expected to produce lighter snowfall across parts of Iowa and the Ohio Valley on Thursday, extending into the Central Appalachians by Friday, where similar accumulations of 6 to 12 inches could occur.
The Central Plains and Mississippi Valley, particularly along and north of Interstate 70, are likely to receive at least 6 inches of snow. Meanwhile, southern regions, especially eastern Kansas and the Ozarks, may experience significant sleet and freezing rain, which could also affect parts of the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys. Impacts from icing are also possible in the southern Appalachians on Sunday.
Meteorologists from AccuWeather have stated that a major snowstorm is likely to occur across a large area from Nebraska to southern and central Ohio, including West Virginia, potentially resulting in 3 to 6 inches or more of snow over a wide span of approximately 1,000 miles.
Cities such as St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati are among those expecting notable snowfall, with the heaviest accumulations anticipated from northern Missouri through west-central Illinois to northeastern Kansas.
As this winter weather approaches, a high-pressure system is predicted to bring frigid Arctic air into the Central and Eastern U.S., leading to colder temperatures across these regions. AccuWeather warns of successive rounds of Arctic air that could further lower temperatures and extend southward. This situation could drive up energy demands and risks of freeze-related damages in the Southern U.S.
Forecasters predict that the cold air will affect over 250 million people across more than 40 states in the Central and Eastern regions into the middle of January, highlighting the extensive impact of this winter storm.
As communities prepare for the incoming storm, there is an opportunity for individuals to come together and support one another, whether it’s helping neighbors with snow removal or ensuring vulnerable populations stay warm and safe. This collective response can help foster a sense of community and resilience during challenging winter conditions.