A significant winter storm system has descended upon the Dakotas, prompting alerts for over 40 million people as it is predicted to deliver snow, strong winds, and rain across multiple regions, including the Great Lakes and northern New England.
As of Sunday morning, Blizzard Warnings were issued stretching from Grand Forks and Fargo in North Dakota to Rochester, Minnesota, and Mason City, Iowa. Areas in these regions are expected to receive between 3 and 8 inches of snow, coupled with wind gusts that may reach 45 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility and possibly dangerous whiteout conditions through Monday morning.
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Blizzard Warnings anticipate heavier snowfall ranging from 9 inches to 2 feet, alongside wind gusts clocking in at up to 60 mph. Winter Storm Warnings have also been set for eastern Minnesota to northern Michigan, affecting cities such as Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, where heavy snow and strong winds are expected from Sunday through Monday.
Further east, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from Scranton, Pennsylvania, up to Burlington, Vermont, and Portland, Maine, forecasting freezing rain on Sunday and into Monday. Additionally, a Flood Watch is in place for Buffalo and Jamestown, New York, anticipating up to 1.5 inches of rainfall.
High wind alerts are also in effect for Detroit and Cleveland, with warnings of gusts reaching up to 60 mph expected on Sunday night and continuing into early Tuesday morning. The storm is projected to shift into the Midwest by Sunday afternoon, with snowfall already being reported in Sioux Falls and Fargo.
As winter weather develops, heavy snow is forecast to reach Minneapolis and Mason City by noon CT. A wintry mix is expected in Marquette, Michigan, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, along with persistent rain across southern Michigan, including regions such as Grand Rapids and Detroit. By early Sunday evening, visibility will likely diminish in Minneapolis and Marquette due to heavy snow and gusty winds, as heavy rain and winds are anticipated to hit Buffalo.
Residents along the I-95 corridor, from Philadelphia to Boston, could experience a brief wintry mix or freezing rain by Sunday evening, transitioning to rain as temperatures rise. Snow and gusty winds in Michigan are projected to last until around 7 a.m. ET on Monday, after which warmer air is expected to lead to rain across the Northeast.
Most wintery precipitation in the Northeast will primarily affect higher elevations in northern New England, with freezing rain likely in these mountainous areas. By Monday night, the storm system is expected to clear, though typical lake-effect snow is predicted for the eastern Great Lakes and interior Northeast, lasting into Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.
The Midwest is forecasted to experience the heaviest snow accumulation, with Minneapolis and Green Bay expecting between 5 to 8 inches, while Marquette and much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see 1 to 2 feet of snow. Wind gusts in these areas might reach up to 60 mph, which could cause blowing snow conditions.
This winter storm serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by winter weather, but it also presents an opportunity for communities to come together and share the joys of the season, as many families prepare to engage in winter activities.