Severe Winter Storm to Impact Central and Eastern United States This Friday
A significant winter storm is set to bring blizzard conditions and severe winds to the central and eastern U.S., particularly affecting the northern Plains. This storm will also lead to critical fire weather alerts in the southern Plains, impacting millions of residents.
A severe winter storm is anticipated to impact the central and eastern United States beginning on Friday, with blizzard conditions expected, particularly in the northern Plains. This storm is characterized by a powerful wind field and potentially record-low pressure. While snowfall may be limited due to insufficient cold air, blowing snow will create hazardous travel conditions, resulting in major delays at airport hubs in cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.
As this weather system rapidly intensifies after originating from an atmospheric river in California, it is producing urgent winter weather warnings across the Upper Midwest and High Plains, along with increased fire danger alerts in the Southwest. Meteorologists have indicated that damaging winds could knock out power to thousands, particularly due to gusts reaching 60 to 75 mph, which may trigger blizzard-like conditions.
Travel disruptions are highly likely on Friday and are expected to continue into Saturday and Sunday. Major interstate highways such as I-90 and I-29 are particularly vulnerable to the impact of snow and wind. Even though immediate snowfall totals may not be extensive, the arrival of intense cold air following the storm will lead to significant drops in temperature, with conditions in places like Grand Forks, North Dakota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota expected to fall to near-freezing levels.
Moreover, over 21 million residents in the southern Plains will face critical or extreme fire weather conditions, with Friday posing the highest risk due to dry, windy conditions exacerbated by a powerful storm system. Meteorologists predict that this dangerous fire-weather pattern could persist into the weekend as more disturbances approach the southern High Plains. Residents are advised to remain vigilant of the weather updates through reliable sources and to download the FOX Weather app for notifications on changes in the forecast.
In summary, the approaching winter storm presents a significant multiday weather threat characterized by blizzard conditions and severe wind gusts across the central and eastern United States. The winter storm is also coupled with the potential for critical fire weather conditions in the southern Plains, threatening to exacerbate the situation. Residents in affected areas must remain prepared for potential travel disruptions and power outages, and should utilize tools such as the FOX Weather app for real-time updates.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
