Winter storms are set to sweep across the United States this week, with meteorologists warning of significant snowfall and severe weather conditions impacting millions of residents. Cities from Chicago to Washington, D.C., will be on alert as two major winter storms prepare to make their presence felt, starting on Tuesday.
According to ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Tracy Butler, the first wave of winter weather is expected to bring cold temperatures accompanied by snow flurries Monday and more substantial snowfall by midweek. It’s anticipated to be one of Chicago's biggest snowfalls of the season, with accumulated snow totals ranging from 4 to 8 inches possible. A winter storm watch is already issued for Chicago, predicting the heaviest snowfall to impact commuters during the evening rush on Wednesday.
The storm system traveling east is currently stretching from Colorado to Delaware, bringing heavy rain to the South and snow to the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. While areas such as St. Louis prepare for several inches starting late Monday night, the most significant impacts from this first storm will arrive on Wednesday morning. Local forecasts suggest totals could exceed 5 inches, particularly across southern and eastern regions of Missouri and parts of Illinois.
Maryland Heights, Mo. residents were warned to expect two rounds of wintry weather. The first wave might bring light accumulations, but the second storm on Wednesday is projected to significantly disrupt travel with the potential for sleet and mixed precipitation south of key highways.
Over on the East Coast, Boston and surrounding areas were gearing up for their own series of storms as well. Reports from local meteorologists indicated three storms approaching within the space of one week. The initial snow is slated to begin late Tuesday but is expected to shift to rain on Wednesday. This variability could see regions north of the Massachusetts Turnpike receive minimal to no snow, with only southern parts experiencing heavier accumulations.
“The forecast indicates another 'kitchen sink' storm, where we can expect everything from snow to sleet and rain, particularly from Thursday morning onwards,” noted meteorologists. Meanwhile, the tri-state area, including New York City, anticipates limited snowfall accumulation from Tuesday's system, but subsequent systems could bring more significant impacts as temperatures trend colder. Conflicting projections based on shifting storm paths mean areas could face sudden changes to expected weather patterns.
Meanwhile, as the Midwest braces for heavier snow, the weather outlook indicates potentially hazardous driving conditions as snow is likely to create slick and treacherous travel experiences. According to various reports, from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, affected areas may see rapid changes to road conditions, urging residents to prepare and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Additional fallout expected this week includes varying chances for rain and mixed precipitation with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark causing icy conditions. Washington D.C. and Baltimore are among cities where ice will likely create dangerous travel conditions, including “Plan on slippery road conditions,” stated officials from the National Weather Service.
Upwards of 4 to 6 inches of snow is currently expected across the D.C. area, prompting the issuance of winter storm watches from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned, “The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.”
Forecasted conditions reinforce the notion of being prepared for winter weather disruptions. With sustained precipitation across many states and temperatures expected to drop significantly, residents should maintain awareness about potential power outages and prepare accordingly.
Looking at the forecast as we move through the week, those living across much of the Midwest can expect periods of heavy snowfall to persist, particularly between Wednesday and Thursday. Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri residents are bracing for significant snowfall totals ranging from inches to perhaps over half a foot, creating potential for widespread travel difficulties.
Weather officials predict more wintry mix expected from Friday night through the weekend, meaning yet another potentially busy weather pattern as storms continue bringing moisture from the Pacific to influence conditions on the East Coast and Midwest. Monitoring local forecasts closely is highly advised as changes to predicted amounts of snowfall can occur rapidly.
Overall, the upcoming week signifies one of the busiest periods of winter weather, and many states will experience some form of winter precipitation—a reminder for everyone to remain vigilant about traveling and stay safe during inclement weather.