A significant winter storm is poised to impact the central and eastern United States this weekend, with Winter Storm Watches in place for over 11 million people. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has indicated that while confidence regarding the storm is growing, there is still uncertainty regarding its precise timing and track.
Impacts from the storm are anticipated to begin on Friday in the northern Plains, spreading to the central Plains and reaching areas such as the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, as well as mid-Atlantic states. Various regions can expect heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain.
In Kansas, for instance, forecasters predict snow and sleet totals exceeding 4 inches, with ice accumulation surpassing one-tenth of an inch. Wind gusts could reach up to 35 mph, creating potential blizzard-like conditions as snow drifts and blows.
The areas most likely to receive the heaviest snowfall include the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley, particularly north of Interstate 70. These conditions may severely disrupt travel and could lead to power outages due to significant snowfall.
Additionally, a notable ice storm could unfold across the mid-South, affecting regions from southern Kansas and the Ozarks to the Tennessee Valley. The combination of sleet and freezing rain poses a risk for power outages and perilous travel conditions.
The storm’s impact is expected to increase starting Sunday when it moves into the Plains, with snow and ice anticipated in the central Plains and lower Ohio Valley. By Sunday night, the storm is projected to affect the rest of the Ohio Valley, mid-South, and central Appalachians, possibly extending into the mid-Atlantic. Although the storm may weaken on Monday as it crosses the Appalachians, wintry weather is still likely across the mid-Atlantic and potentially as far south as the Carolinas.
As communities prepare for this winter weather, it’s essential to stay informed and ready, ensuring safety during potentially hazardous conditions. The storm serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, and it emphasizes the importance of having an emergency plan in place for families and individuals.
Overall, residents can look forward to coming together and helping one another through this challenging weather event, showcasing resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity.