It’s been a snowy and bitterly cold December with snowfall records being set and more bad weather on the way, especially in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Some areas of the country have already accumulated 17 inches of snow.
The Great Lakes region in particular is expected to get more blizzard conditions that could dump another foot of snow and bring 60 mph winds to areas that have already seen record snowfall conditions due to the breaking of the polar vortex, according to December 9 forecasts.
How can you track the storm? The National Weather Service has a forecast map on its website that breaks down the weather forecast in every state. There is also a frequently updated U.S. map that tracks weather patterns. The National Weather Service also has a map showing current radar to track the storm’s path. Newsweekhas posted a live tracker map.The Weather Channelalso has a map with hour-by-hour forecasts.
A Strong Clipper Is Bringing More Snow to the Midwest After Some Regions Have Accumulated 17 Inches of Snow
The Great Lakes region is going to continue getting the brunt of the snowfall. “A clipper will bring a period of snow across the upper Midwest and the Great Lakes through Tuesday,” the National Weather Service wrote on December 9. “A stronger clipper is expected to bring the threat of heavy snow and high winds across the upper Midwest on Tuesday then across the Great Lakes on Wednesday…”
In some areas of the country, 17 inches of snow has already accumulated, breaking records, with more on the way (although at lesser amounts).
- The Chicago area “has seen more than 17 inches of snow this winter season — the quickest accumulation since 1978,” according to CBS News. In late November, areas of Wisconsin received up to 18 inches of snow.
- “Locations south of a Lone Rock, Madison to Milwaukee line saw the heaviest snow, with totals, ranging from 8 inches to 18 inches, with the highest amounts in far South Central Wisconsin near the Illinois border,” the National Weather Service says. Simply put, some areas of the Midwest have been hit very hard.
The upcoming snowfall could dump up to a foot more on some states.
“The next clipper will bring snow, ice and wind to the Midwest and Great Lakes Tuesday, shifting east and impacting the Northeast Wednesday, A swath of 3-5 inches looks likely for many with some locations seeing up to a foot of snow,”The Weather Channel wrote on December 9. “On top of that, wind gusts in excess of 60 mph will be possible, leading to blizzard conditions and power outages in the bitter cold. If you must travel, make sure you have a winter emergency kit with you at all times. Check your hour-by-hour forecast here.”
“As this clipper system ejects eastward into the northern Plains and upper Midwest late today, a swath of moderate to locally heavy snow is expected develop along the northern flank of the low center,” the NWS added on December 9. “Snowfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches can still be expected from northeastern corner of North Dakota through the central Great Lakes. This clipper system is forecast to quickly intensify, producing an expanding area of very strong and gusty winds to accompany the snow.”
The ‘Wintry Weather’ Will Migrate to the Northeastern U.S.
It’s not only the Midwest. The Northeastern U.S. will continue to see additional snow and harsh conditions,according to the forecasts.
Added the Weather Service: “By tomorrow morning, the maturing clipper migrates into the lower Great Lakes, spreading wintry weather towards the Interior Northeast. The snow will be tapering off across the northern Plains on Wednesday behind the storm but snow will be expanding through the lower Great Lakes and into interior Northwest as the storm center approaches.”
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