As winter weather blankets the U.S. this week, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues winter storm warnings and advisories for 13 states from the Northern Plains to the Midwest and Northeast, following weeks of early-season snow closures for schools nationwide.
In effect as of Thursday morning, December 11, winter storm warnings and advisories extend across Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, northern Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont. These alerts signal a mix of snow, ice, and strong winds impacting various regions as the system moves eastward.
Accompanying the snow and ice, the NWS warns of a dangerous surge of Arctic air descending southward into the Northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, Midwest, and eventually the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. Afternoon high temperatures on Friday and Saturday are expected to be 20-30 degrees below average, potentially setting record low highs in some areas. This Arctic air push increases the risk of hazardous travel conditions due to dangerous wind chills and refreezing moisture on roads.
According to the NWS, accumulating snow is expected through early Friday as a quick-moving low-pressure system moves from the Central Plains into the Ohio Valley. Anticipated snowfall includes 2-4 inches on the northern side of the storm, widespread 3-inch totals across much of the country over the next few days, and higher amounts in Montana and parts of the Northeast due to lake-effect snow adding to accumulations. The Buffalo, New York region could see up to 5 inches of snow, potentially impacting the Thursday evening commute with snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
In addition to snowfall, freezing rain is causing significant problems in western states. An ice storm warning in South Dakota alerts to “significant icing,” while freezing rain continues to create travel hazards in northern Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Up to one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation is possible in parts of the Dakotas and eastern Montana, with aviation affected by severe icing conditions in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
While the central and eastern U.S. face winter weather, the Pacific Northwest grapples with record flooding following heavy rain fueled by an atmospheric river. Evacuations are underway as major rivers overflow, including the Snohomish River breaking its previous record crest. FEMA teams are assisting as Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declares a state of emergency, warning of ongoing flooding impacts in western Washington and northwestern Oregon.
As Montana experiences a mix of rain and snow, the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest contend with freezing rain, and the Northeast sees a combination of snow and lake-effect enhancement. Radar imagery shows that the storm is intensifying and shifting east, with additional precipitation expected. The final phase of the storm may bring 1-2 inches of snow along the I-95 corridor between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., before dissipating with lingering hazardous travel conditions.
Observing the winter weather unfolding across the country presents a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the resilience required to endure its challenges.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.