Projected Winter Storms to Impact Eastern US for Days Ahead
Multiple winter storms are forecasted to impact the eastern United States continuously for the next few weeks, beginning with a significant storm starting Wednesday. Hazardous conditions, notably ice accumulation, are expected to disrupt power and make travel dangerous, particularly from Missouri to Maine. Additional storms are anticipated shortly after, perpetuating challenging winter weather conditions in the area.
A series of intense winter storms is set to affect the eastern United States over the next several days and possibly weeks, as the jet stream establishes a consistent flow from west to east. This ongoing pattern will ensure new storms arrive every few days, with significant impacts expected until mid-February. The initial storm will emerge on Wednesday afternoon, originating in the central Mississippi Valley, and spread wintery conditions across a vast area from Missouri to Maine, primarily affecting the Midwest and Northeast through Thursday.
The primary danger presented by this storm is hazardous ice accumulation, which may disrupt power and create extremely treacherous travel conditions. As warm air collides with cold, an icy glaze is anticipated from Missouri extending through to southern New England. Northern Indiana, Ohio, and parts of Pennsylvania may experience over 0.10 inches of ice, with certain areas potentially reaching 0.25 inches, posing a risk to infrastructure and personal safety.
This initial storm will predominantly produce mixed precipitation types rather than large snowfall accumulations, especially outside the northern Great Lakes region. Chicago is expected to see a shift from sleet to freezing rain Wednesday evening, while Cleveland will likely experience similar conditions overnight. The icy weather will then spread into the Appalachians by Thursday morning and affect much of the Northeast throughout the day.
As temperatures rise following the storm, warmer air will aid in melting some of the ice, although another cold front is anticipated to approach soon. This upcoming storm, expected to surface in the Plains on Friday and take shape over the weekend, is likely to mimic the prior system, introducing more mixed precipitation to the Midwest and Northeast regions.
The active weather pattern does not appear to subside, with the prospect of additional storms next week and potentially more developing mid-month. Current forecasts indicate a significant storm set for Tuesday and Wednesday, reinforcing the ongoing pattern of winter weather impacts in the eastern half of the United States.
The predicted winter storm activity is a result of a persistent and streamlined jet stream that directs storms through the northern tier of the continental United States. This phenomenon will facilitate nearly uninterrupted storm developments for an extended period. The combination of unique air masses — cold from the north and warm from the south — intensifies winter precipitation threats, particularly ice accumulation, which may disrupt power supplies and create hazardous travel conditions across affected regions.
In summary, a series of potent winter storms is expected to impact the eastern United States over the coming weeks due to a stable jet stream pattern. The initial storm will bring significant icy conditions, particularly affecting power infrastructure and travel safety. Based on current forecasts, further winter weather events will follow in rapid succession, maintaining an ongoing cycle of challenging weather conditions. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for possible hazards.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
