Winter storm hits the US this week: What to expect | Blizzard conditions, freezing rain, high winds
A major winter storm will be barreling across large swaths of the United States affecting millions of Americans from coast to coast. Here’s what to expect…
Millions of Americans will be in the path of a major winter storm plowing across the United Sates this week. The severe weather will enter through the Northwest on Monday and barrel across the nation through Thursday, bringing record lows and highs. As well, extreme precipitation events with heavy snow and rain along with ice. Strong winds could down trees causing power outages, especially when combined with snow and ice.
The National Weather Service is advising residents of the US from the West Coast to the Northeast that the major winter storm will spread swaths of heavy snow through Thursday. Behind the storm, record lows and dangerous wind chills are forecast. The effect could create treacherous travel conditions.
On the southern side of the storm, record high temperatures could be felt in many areas from Texas through the Southeast, potentially as far north as Ohio and New Jersey. There is the potential for heavy rains, including hail, and strong winds with the possibility for tornados.
A prolonged major winter storm will spread a large swath of heavy snow from the West Coast to the Northeast today through Friday, and confidence is high that this winter storm will be extremely disruptive to travel, infrastructure, livestock, and recreation in affected areas. pic.twitter.com/0hWhXWAdfE
— National Weather Service (@NWS) February 20, 2023
In between sleet and freezing rain could hit several major cities in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast. The bulk of the nasty weather for this area is expected for Wednesday night into Thursday.
Major to extreme winter storm impacts expected
Major to extreme winter storm impacts are expected from the storm in portions of the costal mountain ranges in the West as well as in parts of the Rockies from Mexico to Canada. Snow totals are forecast to range between two and four feet, but some local areas in the western mountains may get more.
As the storm moves across the Upper and Central Plains on Tuesday before moving on to the Northeast, it could drop anywhere from four to eight inches of snow, or more. Major impacts are predicted in swaths of eastern South Dakota, the southern half of Minnesota and through central Wisconsin. The Twin Cities could experience extreme impacts, with possibly 20 inches of snow.
The major winter storm which will plague a large portion of the country will begin today across the Northwest. Much of this week will feature significant snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wind. Widespread travel and infrastructure impacts are expected. pic.twitter.com/iJWzZ4HTeq
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 20, 2023
Related stories
The West and Midwest could see wind gusts in excess of 30mph on Wednesday creating the possibility of blizzard conditions. Those in the path of the storm should brace for potential power outages and tree damage.
Behind the system, very cold temperatures are predicted from the West Coast into the Northern Plains. There is the possibility of flash freezing in sections of the Northern Rockies.