A significant winter storm is forecasted to bring snow and ice across the Plains, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic regions this weekend through Monday, potentially causing travel disruptions after the holiday season in several states. The Weather Channel has designated this system as Winter Storm Blair.
Current Situation:
The winter storm is developing from a disturbance in the northern Pacific Ocean and is expected to move into the Pacific Northwest, bringing rain and mountain snow on Friday. The storm’s low pressure system will then track eastward through the central and eastern U.S. this weekend into Monday, affecting the areas with the heaviest snowfall and potential ice accumulation.
Timeline:
Saturday-Saturday Night: Snow will be concentrated in the northern and central Rockies during the day, spreading into the Plains by evening and reaching as far east as the mid-Mississippi Valley overnight. Hazardous travel conditions are likely for cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita.
Sunday-Sunday Night: Heavy snowfall is expected along the Interstate 70 corridor from Kansas to Ohio, with gusty winds causing reduced visibility. Wintry precipitation including sleet and freezing rain may impact areas south of the heaviest snowfall. Travel is not recommended in locations like Cincinnati, Louisville, and Kansas City.
Monday: Commuters in the mid-Atlantic should prepare for wintry travel conditions in the morning, with snow continuing in parts of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. Cities like Baltimore, Charleston, and Washington, D.C. need to stay updated on the forecast for possible impacts.
Snow and Ice Expectation:
There is a likelihood of over 6 inches of snow in the Central Plains and Midwest, particularly in areas shaded in purple on the map, including parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The mid-Atlantic may experience light to moderate snowfall. Ice accumulation from sleet and freezing rain could pose challenges in central and southern regions.
A winter storm is expected to move from Kansas into the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, bringing potential travel disruptions. There is a possibility of broken tree limbs and scattered power outages. However, it is too early to provide specific details on these impacts. The storm’s trajectory is not yet certain, meaning the forecast for the heaviest snow and ice accumulations could change. Stay updated on the latest developments by checking weather.com and The Weather Channel app.
Chris Dolce, a seasoned meteorologist, has been a part of weather.com for over a decade. He commenced his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
