A major winter storm is currently impacting vast regions of the United States and the United Kingdom, bringing with it heavy snowfall, hazardous ice, severe thunderstorms, and widespread disruptions. Over 1,300 miles of the U.S. are under warnings as meteorologists, including CNN’s Elisa Raffa, highlight the storm's unique and powerful nature.
According to the NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, “for some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade,” as nearly 70 million Americans find themselves preparing for snow, ice, and blizzard conditions due to the approaching weather system, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 50 mph. More than four million people across eastern Kansas and western Missouri are now under blizzard warnings as the snowstorm intensifies. The storm is forecasted to move through areas from Missouri to the mid-Atlantic, threatening dangerous travel conditions and causing potential power outages.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the UK faced severe weather as well, with major airports temporarily closing their runways due to heavy snow and ice. Cities across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and much of central and northern England were placed under snow and ice warnings. Well-known airports including Manchester and Liverpool temporarily halted their services Sunday morning, with Manchester Airport reopening after working tirelessly to clear the snow.
National Rail services have also been hampered due to icy and snowy conditions, as operational staff were forced to implement speed restrictions and line closures for safety reasons. The government-operated National Highways issued severe weather alerts advising all road users to exercise caution during their travels.
Back to the U.S., slick roads have necessitated calls for caution. Kansas Highway Patrol's Trooper Ben Gardner was adamant, encouraging residents to stay indoors: “Please please please, stay home. This is not the time to go out and venture and take in the sites and see the scenery.” This has echoed the sentiments of leadership, with Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear stating: “This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages – just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold.”
Several governors across the affected states have declared states of emergency, preparing their residents for what’s to come as many places see snowfall moving toward potentially record-breaking levels. For example, St. Louis has only witnessed four days where more than 12 inches of snow fell. The current forecasts suggest they could experience similar extremes as snow totals progress.
Precipitation types are expected to vary; snow will transition to sleet and ice as warmer air moves through parts of the region. The National Weather Service warns of substantial ice accumulation, advising against travel. Ice accumulated can create near-impassable conditions, often more dangerous than snow alone. “Any amount of ice is dangerous; just a thin layer can turn paved surfaces to skating rinks,” they emphasized.
The snowstorm's effects are expected to extend to various parts of the country as the system shifts eastward, predicting hazardous conditions for commuters heading to work early next week. Many metropolitan areas, including Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, might see several inches of snow piled by Monday. Meanwhile, southern regions are bracing themselves for torrential rains and embedded thunderstorms.
The risk for severe thunderstorms has prompted heightened alerts for areas across Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The Storm Prediction Center has labeled the threat as level 3 of 5, where damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes could strike as the system intensifies.
This storm showcases one of the significant weather systems often associated with January and has put cities on alert for historically high snowfall totals. For those who saw the storm’s impact last week, the accumulation and frigid temperatures forecasted for the next few days spell trouble.
Finally, residents are being cautioned about falling temperatures after the storm's passing, where plunges of up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit below normal could lock snow and ice on surfaces. Experts stress the importance of preparing early for winter storms with emergency supplies and maintaining situational awareness for any sudden changes related to travel conditions. The interplay of severe weather over the next week serves as a reminder of winter's fierce capabilities, particularly impacting transportation and daily life.