A significant winter storm known as Winter Storm Iliana is currently sweeping through parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes, and extending to the Northeast, with snowfall and freezing rain affecting numerous states.
The Weather Channel has reported on the storm, noting its rapid progress and the hazardous travel conditions it is creating. Snowfall is particularly heavy from the Great Lakes down to the Northeast, with freezing rain wreaking havoc along the Appalachians from Virginia to Pennsylvania.
So far, the highest snowfall total recorded stands at 11 inches from Lowden, Iowa. States such as Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa witnessed between 3 and 6 inches of snow, with Des Moines getting 4 to 7 inches. Cities like Milwaukee have experienced significant snowfall, with totals reaching over 7 inches. Meanwhile, conditions have remained lighter around the Denver and Kansas City metro areas, where snowfall accumulated to less than 4 inches.
The National Weather Service has responded by issuing winter weather alerts across affected areas, warning of significant travel hazards as Iliana moves eastward. The worst conditions are predicted for those regions under winter storm warnings, particularly implicative of hazardous travel conditions due to snow and icy conditions.
The final phases of the storm are expected to play out through Thursday. Snow and brisk winds are forecasted to continue plaguing areas like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, concluding by Thursday. Meanwhile, northern New York and northern New England are still expecting snowfall, which might transition to sleet and freezing rain as temperatures fluctuate.
What’s more, major cities like Boston and New York City may see wintry mixtures change over to rain as the storm progresses. For many areas across the Great Lakes, this event is shaping up to be moderate, with many places anticipating under 6 inches of snow. That said, some localized areas near Lake Michigan and Lake Huron may witness enhanced snowfall rates due to cold winds off the lakes.
Local forecasts indicate Chicago could surpass its current heaviest snowfall of the season if accumulations exceed 2.9 inches at O'Hare Airport. Parts of the Northeast, especially areas of upstate New York and northern New England, could receive between 5 to 12 inches as Iliana pushes through.
Alongside this snowfall, the icing situations present another considerable concern, particularly for the central Appalachians, where trees and power lines are at risk of damage. This potential is exacerbated for areas already affected by Winter Storm Harlow, particularly around Roanoke, Virginia, where previous ice conditions linger.
If this weather isn't enough, another storm system, Winter Storm Jett, is approaching from the Pacific, expected to impact the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast later this weekend. This upcoming storm is poised to bring additional rain, possibly leading to severe thunderstorms across the southern regions.
With the current winter weather threat persisting, it is imperative for residents and travelers within these impacted regions to keep updated with the latest forecasts and heed warnings from local meteorologists. The potential for future storms gathering strength behind Iliana will require continuous attention.
Chris Dolce, Senior Digital Meteorologist with weather.com, has provided insights over 15 years on major weather events, reflecting on the importance of staying informed during active storm patterns like this.