Approximately 200 million people in 40 states are expected to experience snowfall in the upcoming week as three winter storms move across the United States. The Northeastern region may witness its most significant snowfall in years, with snow accumulations possibly reaching several feet by the end of the week.
For those anticipating the arrival of spring-like weather, they will have to wait a bit longer as the FOX Forecast Center monitors the active winter weather pattern approaching the nation. This surge in winter conditions follows a recent winter storm that brought heavy snow to the Northeast and New England over the weekend.
The FOX Forecast Center predicts the arrival of three distinct winter storms that will affect a large portion of the U.S., bringing the potential for widespread snow and ice from coast to coast. Flooding is also a concern, particularly in the Southeast, as heavy rain accompanies the succession of storms moving through the country.
The initial winter storm is forecasted to form over the Plains on Monday, then progress across the Ohio Valley and into the mid-Atlantic by Tuesday. This storm is anticipated to move further south compared to the previous weekend storm, targeting the mid-Atlantic states as the primary region for snow accumulation.
Unlike the previous storm system, this upcoming storm is expected to lack a well-defined low-pressure area, resulting in limited cold air available to interact with the incoming moisture from the South. Consequently, while snowfall is projected across multiple states, the forecast suggests lighter to moderate snow amounts due to the insufficient cold air supply.
Despite this, winter weather advisories have been issued for millions of individuals residing in the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic states. As the storm progresses, it is set to impact the Ohio Valley on Tuesday, followed by the mid-Atlantic and portions of the Northeast on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning before moving offshore.
As the first storm weakens over the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, a second storm is anticipated to develop over the Plains with snow spreading into the Midwest by Wednesday night and targeting the Northeast by Thursday. Winter Storm Watches are in effect for various regions, including parts of eastern Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Major cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Kansas City are among those included in the watch areas.
From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night, there is the potential for heavy snowfall in central Kansas along the Interstate 70 corridor, with snowfall rates reaching around an inch per hour and the accumulation of up to 5 inches of snow. Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas declared a state of disaster emergency in anticipation of the upcoming winter storms. She stressed the importance of preparedness, urging Kansans to create home emergency kits and plans for their families. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to inform someone of their travel plans if they must go out, ensuring that their vehicles are fueled up and equipped with emergency supplies.
The FOX Forecast Center indicated that this storm system could bring the highest snowfall amounts of the season from the Plains to New England, with the Interstate 95 corridor likely to see more rain than snow. The possibility of significant snowfall in various regions will become clearer as the week progresses.
As we brace for another round of winter weather later in the week and into the weekend, the FOX Forecast Center suggested that this pattern of storms may persist into the following week. While the forecast remains uncertain, staying informed through the FOX Weather app and receiving timely notifications is recommended to stay prepared for any changes in the weather.
(Source: Parade of winter storms to blast across US with snow expected for 200 million in 40 states)
