The National Weather Service issued a number of winter storm warnings for as a strong cold front is expected to bring significant snowfall and strong winds.
“The strong cold front will bring favorable conditions for lake effect snow downwind of the Great Lakes. Winter Weather Advisories are active downwind of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Eerie for Wednesday-Thursday morning,” the NWS said.
Michigan Expecting Heavy Snow Once Again
The state of Michigan recently received a strong winter storm that dropped several feet of snow on the Upper Peninsula, but winter is just beginning.
“There is also a Winter Storm Warning on the downwind side of Michigan for portions of far northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan as travel conditions will be hazardous due to a forecast 6-8 inches of snow with wind gusts to 40 mph,” the National Weather Service said.
Alaska Could See 60 mph Winds
The National Weather Service issued a number of winter weather warnings for Alaska alone, with strong winds and heavy snow expected.
“A compact low in the Bering Sea will track to the Aleutians Wednesday morning, with bands of snow spreading to Adak and Atka. The low will move very slowly across the Aleutians to the North Pacific and then stall just to the south of the chain Wednesday night through Thursday,” the NWS said.
A prolonged period of snow and blowing snow is expected with the heaviest winds coming out of the northeast on Wednesday night. Total snow accumulation is expected to vary from island to island, but Atka is “favored” to receive the brunt of the storm.
Nine Other States Under Winter Weather Advisories
While Alaska and Michigan are expected to receive the brunt of the storm, nine other states will see significant snowfall and strong winds.
Indiana: Lake effect snow is expected to hit northern Indiana with total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. The highest amounts will fall in western Cass County. Northwest winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Illinois: Much the same is expected in Illinois this week as the state braces for total snow accumulations locally of 2 to 5 inches. The cold front is expected to bring bitterly cold temperatures to Sunday’s showdown between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams.
Maryland: A strong cold front is expected cross the area late Wednesday afternoon bringing up to 2 to 3 inches of snow with it. “Precipitation may mix with snow near 4000 feet elevation as soon as early Wednesday afternoon, but more impactful snow down to elevations near 2500 feet along with rapidly falling temperatures are expected beginning between 7 and 10 PM Wednesday evening,” NWS said.
Minnesota: Additional snow accumulations up to two inches are expected with winds gusting as high as 35 mph in Iron County.
New York: The Buffalo office of the National Weather Service has been busy over the past week as heavy lake effect snow continues to pour down in the region. The NWS is now call for new total snow accumulations to reach between 5 to 10 inches with snow beginning on the Tug Hill Plateau Wednesday, while lower elevations mix with rain. “Snow will become widespread across the region Wednesday night, then transition to localized lake effect snow Thursday through Thursday night. The greatest accumulations will be on the Tug Hill Plateau and northern Oswego county,” it said.
Ohio: The Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel as the region is set to be hit with 2 to 5 inches of lake effect snow this week.
Pennsylvania: Residents in Warren, PA were warned to prepare for slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes as 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected.
Tennessee: Part of Tennessee including the Smoky Mountains are set to see total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, but up to 6 inches for elevations above 5000 feet. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 40 mph while the NWS warned, “Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.”
West Virginia: Parts of West Virginia will see up to six inches of snow while gusty winds up to 40 mph are possible across the higher mountain elevations, which could result in wind chills as low as 10 below Wednesday night and Thursday, primarily above 3,500 feet, along with blowing and drifting of snow.
Travel Warnings Announced Amid Winter Storms
In addition to warning of heavy snowfall, the National Weather Service is warning those in regions hit with a winter storm warning to avoid travel when possible.
“Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning commute,” a warning from the Marquette NWS office said. “…Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”
The Indiana branch warned: “Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
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