A powerful winter storm that blanketed parts of the East Coast and South in snow and ice is expected to gradually move offshore by Saturday. The storm has triggered winter alerts across the central Appalachians, where scattered snow showers are anticipated to persist into Saturday afternoon. Residents in northern New England should also brace for the possibility of an additional dusting of up to 2 inches of snow in certain areas.
Looking ahead, a clipper system is forecasted to traverse the Great Lakes region on Saturday night and Sunday, ushering in scattered snow showers across parts of South and North Dakota through Michigan. The system is projected to deposit a dusting of up to 3 inches of snow in the Upper Midwest, with localized amounts potentially exceeding 5 inches in sections of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have warned of the likelihood of developing areas of flurries and light showers throughout the day. While accumulations are expected to be generally light, the agency cautioned that temporary reductions in visibility could occur through the early afternoon.
Temperatures across the South and Southeast are predicted to remain notably lower than average, with highs anticipated to range from the 30s to 50s. Sunday is expected to maintain relatively cool conditions, with highs up to 15 degrees below average across much of the region.
Due to the frigid temperatures, a staggering 12 million individuals spanning from the Southwest to the Southeast have been placed under freeze alerts beginning Saturday night.
The severe winter weather conditions have wreaked havoc on travel plans, resulting in over 10,000 flight delays and cancellations nationwide on Friday, as reported by the flight-tracking website FlightAware. As of Saturday afternoon, the number of delays within, into, or out of the country has decreased to just over 4,000, with 845 cancellations still in effect.
In response to the winter storm’s impact, authorities are urging residents in affected regions to exercise caution and remain vigilant as they contend with adverse weather conditions. Stay tuned to local weather updates and advisories for the latest information on the evolving situation.
As the winter storm moves offshore and the clipper system advances across the Great Lakes, residents in the affected areas should prepare for continued inclement weather and potential disruptions to travel plans. Take necessary precautions to ensure safety and be mindful of changing weather conditions in the days ahead.
