A powerful winter storm is currently sweeping through the Midwest and Northeast, impacting over 90 million people with snow, sleet, and freezing rain this weekend. The storm has already caused travel disruptions and is expected to create dangerous road conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Winter Weather Warnings Across 19 States
Winter weather alerts are in effect for 19 states from the Midwest to the Northeast, according to ABC. Cities like Green Bay and Detroit have already seen light snow, with heavy snow expected in the Northeast by Saturday evening. By Sunday morning, conditions should improve, though some light snow showers may persist.
Snowfall Predictions and Accumulations
The Northeast is in for significant snowfall, with up to 6 inches in many areas, and some locations could see up to a foot of snow. New York City is expected to receive between 2 to 5 inches, while Boston may see 4 to 7 inches. In addition to snow, parts of southern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic could experience freezing rain and ice.
Super Bowl Travel Concerns
The timing of this storm is complicating travel plans for Super Bowl fans heading to New Orleans. Major airports in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Boston are preparing for delays and cancellations due to snow and ice. While New Orleans will have mild weather for the game, flights arriving in the city are also being impacted by the storm.
Travel Disruptions and Power Outages
The storm has already led to significant travel disruptions, including over 2,900 flight delays and more than 480 cancellations. Major airports, including Boston Logan International, are expected to experience delays. On the ground, icy conditions and poor visibility are making travel hazardous, particularly in the Great Lakes region. Power outages are also being reported, with more than 2,100 homes in West Virginia without electricity.
State of Emergency and Preparedness
Governors in several affected states, including New York and Massachusetts, have declared emergencies. In Boston, officials are working to ensure that at-risk populations, such as the homeless, have access to emergency shelters. Snow removal operations have been activated, and residents are urged to stay off the roads.
More Storms Ahead
Following this weekend’s storm, another system is set to impact the Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday, bringing heavy snow and ice to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond. Another storm is also expected later in the week. Meteorologists predict that the remainder of February will see continued winter weather disruptions.
Temperatures in the Northeast are expected to remain colder than usual, with an Arctic blast forecast for next week. This is due to the positioning of the jet stream, which will continue to bring storms across the northern U.S. Meteorologists warn that this pattern could persist until mid-February, meaning more snow and ice could be on the way.