The upcoming winter storm, the fifth in a series within a week, is preparing to traverse the country, potentially bringing snow and wintry conditions from California to Maine. Named Winter Storm Jett by The Weather Channel, the system is currently positioned over the Northern Pacific near the West Coast of the United States. A warm front associated with the low-pressure system has already reached coastal California, leading to heavy rain and strong winds which may result in flash flooding and debris flows, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.
The National Weather Service has issued various winter weather alerts for snow and ice in regions spanning from the Sierra to the Rockies. Hazardous travel conditions are expected, especially in areas under winter storm warnings.
Here’s a breakdown of what to anticipate from Winter Storm Jett:
– **West (Wednesday Night – Friday):** Impacting the West through late week, the storm will move eastward from coastal California to the Rocky Mountains. Cities such as Salt Lake City and Boise may experience heavy snow, while a wintry mix is possible in Seattle, Portland, and Reno. The Sierra Nevada is likely to face heavy snowfall and gusty winds, with the potential for significant snow accumulation and strong winds causing travel disruptions and reduced visibility on roadways.
– **Central, Midwest (Friday – Saturday night):** The storm is expected to reorganize on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, leading to snow development in the Upper Midwest. Snowfall will extend into the Central Plains by Saturday, with portions of the Central Rockies and Midwest experiencing wintry conditions. Dangerous travel conditions could arise due to wintry mix along the storm’s northern edge.
– **Northeast, Mid-Atlantic (Saturday – Sunday night):** By Saturday morning, snow will reach the Northeast, accompanied by potential wintry mix in some areas. The Interior Northeast is likely to see consistent snowfall throughout the weekend, with coastal regions experiencing a mix of rain and snow as Winter Storm Jett progresses through the area. Cities like Cleveland and Pittsburgh should remain vigilant as the storm’s track may impact the type of precipitation received.
The weather conditions in the two cities may fluctuate between snow and rain intermittently as the system progresses. Moving back and forth between snow and rain is expected as the system moves through the region.
A severe weather threat looms as the warm side of the storm system intensifies, particularly impacting portions of the South on Saturday. Areas such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama should be on high alert for potential severe weather conditions. Damaging winds are a concern, and there is also the possibility of tornadoes, although the specific tornado threat level has not yet been determined.
When it comes to snowfall, the heaviest amounts are anticipated in the high elevations of the Sierra and Rocky Mountains. Widespread snow totals of up to 2 feet are predicted, with some areas along the Sierra Crest potentially receiving between 4 to 6 feet of snow by Friday night.
In addition to the mountainous regions, the Great Lakes and Northeast should also prepare for significant snowfall, specifically Upstate New York through Maine. Snow accumulations in these areas could range from 5 to 12 inches.
Sara Tonks, a knowledgeable meteorologist with weather.com, holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. She has also earned a master’s degree from Unity Environmental University in Marine Science. Sara’s expertise and educational background equip her to provide valuable insights into weather patterns and conditions.
