Impending Winter Storms Alert Over 80 Million Americans with Severe Weather
Winter storms are impacting over 80 million Americans from the Midwest to the East Coast, with heavy snow and ice expected in various regions. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages, with up to 10 inches of snow forecasted in some areas. Communities are urged to prepare for significant weather impacts over the coming days.
Across the United States, a series of winter storms is currently advancing, poised to impact over 80 million individuals from the Midwest to the East Coast with potential severe weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service, significant snowfall and ice are anticipated in the Ohio Valley through the Mid-Atlantic region by Wednesday. Furthermore, notable ice accumulation is expected in the Central Appalachians, while another storm will deliver heavy snow to the Central Plains.
The trajectory of the second winter storm, moving from the Mississippi Valley towards the mid-Atlantic, features chilling temperatures along with heavy snow and ice affecting the Central Appalachians and Central Plains. Communities within the storm’s path are preparing for a subsequent weather system, deemed “significant” by the National Weather Service. CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan indicated the potential northeast movement of the storm from the Great Plains, which may affect parts of the Midwest and Northeast later in the week.
The National Weather Service forecast suggests heavy snow will accumulate from northeast Kentucky to West Virginia, extending along the I-95 corridor from Richmond to Philadelphia, with snowfall rates possibly reaching 1 inch per hour. Expected snow totals range from 4 to 8 inches, raising concerns for isolated power outages and hazardous travel conditions, notably during the evening commute on Tuesday.
Weather warnings across substantial areas of the eastern U.S. will remain in effect through Thursday, with another winter storm anticipated to blanket extensive regions with over 10 inches of snow. Additionally, extreme cold warnings and advisories have been issued for parts of the Northern Rockies, Great Lakes, and Central Plains, as an Arctic front drives temperatures down to 25 to 35 degrees below the seasonal average.
Regions in Chicago and Hastings, Nebraska, have been cautioned to prepare for snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches, whereas central Virginia and West Virginia are braced for up to half an inch of ice. Furthermore, national forecasters have alerted that excessive rainfall may heighten risks of flash flooding in the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys as well as the Southern Appalachians.
Forecasts for Wednesday predict the development of heavy snow from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes, with anticipated snowfall rates of approximately 1 inch per hour in some areas. Accumulations of at least 5 inches are expected, with sleet and freezing rain likely to affect eastern Oklahoma and the Ozarks, risking hazardous travel conditions on untreated surfaces due to potential ice formation.
In summary, the United States is experiencing significant winter storm activity which poses severe weather risks to millions across various states. Notable impacts include heavy snow, ice accumulation, hazardous travel, and potential power outages. Forecasts indicate continued severe winter weather through Wednesday, with extensive preparations being urged for affected communities as conditions worsen.
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