Major Winter Storm to Bring Heavy Snow to Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and significant travel disruptions to a large swath of the United States, including the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The storm is forecast to dump heavy snow from Kansas to Maryland, with some areas potentially seeing the heaviest snowfall in more than a decade.
Midwest States to Feel the Brunt of the Storm
Midwest states, including Illinois, will likely be in the middle of the action as the “disruptive” winter storm moves eastward through the weekend and into early next week. The storm is expected to cause major travel impacts, blizzard conditions, and the potential for significant ice, according to the National Weather Service.
Winter Storm Warning Issued for West Central Illinois
Current forecast models show as much as 12 inches of snow accumulation in portions of West Central Illinois, where a winter storm warning is set to take effect late Saturday. According to the NWS, rapid snow accumulation could make travel “very difficult to impossible” in a 17-county area including Quincy, Pittsfield, and Edwardsville, beginning at 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Monday morning.
Meteorologists Urge Extreme Caution
Meteorologists urge people to “exercise extreme caution” if travel is necessary. The rest of Illinois, excluding roughly the northern third of the state, likely won’t see as dangerous conditions, although a winter storm watch remains in effect for a large stretch of the weekend. Expected snow totals vary widely across the central portion of the state, with values ranging between 0 and 12 inches, according to the NWS.
Northern Indiana to See Heavy Snow
While snow impacts will begin late Saturday in some states, a winter storm watch doesn’t take effect for northern Indiana until Sunday evening. Heavy snow could bring accumulations of anywhere between 3 and 6 inches, the NWS said, urging drivers to prepare for slippery road conditions and blowing snow through the Monday evening commute.
Chicago Area May See Snow, But Impact Uncertain
Whether the Chicago area will be directly impacted remains yet to be seen. If the storm tracks further north, it could clip parts of the region Sunday into Monday. According to the latest NWS projections, anywhere between 0 and 4 inches of snow is possible in communities such as Kankakee and Pontiac.
Arcic Air to Bring Cold Temperatures
Behind this storm, Arctic air will spill down from Canada and temperatures for much of next week will be well below average from the northern Plains to the Southeast, including in the Chicago area.
Conclusion
The major winter storm is expected to bring significant disruptions to travel and daily life in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and prepare for the potential impacts of the storm.
FAQs
Q: What areas will be affected by the winter storm?
A: The winter storm will affect a large swath of the United States, including the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Q: How much snow can I expect in my area?
A: Snow totals vary widely across the affected regions, with values ranging from 0 to 12 inches in some areas.
Q: Will the Chicago area be directly impacted by the storm?
A: The impact of the storm on the Chicago area is uncertain, but it could see some snowfall if the storm tracks further north.
Q: What should I do to prepare for the storm?
A: Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and prepare for the potential impacts of the storm by stocking up on supplies, checking road conditions, and staying informed through official weather sources.
