A powerful storm is set to impact the eastern half of the United States, bringing blizzard conditions, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and brutal cold. This storm is a dangerous dose of déjà vu for many, as it targets the same areas that were recently hit by a massive storm. While there are some differences in the forecast compared to the previous storm, the Chicago area is at risk of being blasted with blizzard conditions. The origins of this storm can be traced back to the Pacific Northwest, where blizzard conditions hit earlier this week.
The storm is expected to strengthen and dump heavy snow across parts of Kansas, Nebraska, and the Midwest. Gusty winds may lead to whiteout conditions, making travel treacherous. At the same time, very cold air from Canada will cause temperatures to plummet in the north-central US.
In the South, there is a severe thunderstorm threat, with parts of Arkansas, eastern Texas, and northwestern Louisiana at an enhanced risk. Strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are the main threats in these areas. The overnight tornado threat is particularly concerning, as nighttime tornadoes are twice as likely to be deadly as daytime tornadoes.
As the storm moves east on Friday, snow will envelop more of the Midwest. The highest snow accumulations are expected in portions of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, away from the relative warmth of the Great Lakes. However, there is some uncertainty about the snowfall in Chicago, as it is likely to vary across the city. Strong winds of 40 to 60 mph are expected across the Midwest, potentially leading to blizzard conditions.
Brutally cold air will continue to expand across the central and northern US, with some areas unlikely to climb out of the single digits.
In the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, another significant severe thunderstorm event is expected, with a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms in parts of Mississippi and Alabama. Rain will overspread the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, increasing flooding concerns in some areas.
The storm will also bring snow to the interior Northeast, along with strong winds that may cause power outages. Snowfall will continue across the Great Lakes and lake-effect snow is likely to develop in the storm’s wake. The most significant impacts from the storm will generally exit the Southeast and mid-Atlantic by Saturday morning.
Overall, this storm poses a significant threat to various regions across the eastern half of the United States, including blizzard conditions, severe thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, and dangerously cold temperatures.