Just as the United States recovers from a massive post-Christmas snowstorm that triggered emergencies in New York and New Jersey, a new and swift weather system is poised to strike. This latest storm, arriving with the New Year, is set to unleash a dangerous mix of rain, snow, and frigid Arctic air across the Eastern seaboard.
Midwest and Great Lakes Brace for Heavy Snow and Blizzard Conditions
Beginning Sunday, the storm system will sweep across the Midwest, dumping an estimated 5 to 8 inches of snow in many areas. However, certain regions are forecast to receive significantly higher accumulations. Parts of the northern Great Lakes and northern New York State could be buried under up to 18 inches of snow.
Authorities have issued a blizzard warning for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. In these zones, powerful winds gusting up to 55 mph will whip the snow, creating near-zero visibility. Forecasters warn of total whiteout conditions, particularly to the west of Minneapolis, where seeing anything ahead will be impossible.
Winter weather alerts extend from Wisconsin through to New Jersey and across most of the Northeast. From Sunday into Sunday night, ice and freezing rain are expected to cause hazardous travel. In major urban centres like Chicago, Cleveland, and Buffalo, warm rain falling on existing snowpack could lead to rapid melting and sudden flash flooding.
Ice Threat and Severe Weather Risks Spread East and South
By late Sunday afternoon or evening, freezing rain will reach the Hudson Valley and New England. This poses a serious risk of a slippery glaze of ice forming on untreated surfaces like sidewalks and side roads. While big cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Boston will primarily see plain rain, the initial phase of the storm could bring a brief period of ice pellets or freezing rain before temperatures rise.
As the cold air plunges southward, it brings a Level 1 (out of 5) risk of severe weather to the South and Tennessee Valley. Areas around Indianapolis, St. Louis, Louisville, and Nashville face the primary threats of damaging wind gusts and an isolated tornado possibility.
New England's Icy Peril and Power Outage Threat
North of the busy I-95 corridor, the situation turns more perilous. New England, especially its mountainous and higher terrain, is forecast to get freezing rain and ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch. Coupled with strong wind gusts expected throughout the region, this ice load raises the potential for power outages.
New Year Ushers in Bitter Arctic Cold
By Sunday night, the rain will have washed away much of the old snow cover in the Northeast. But the departure of the storm will open the gates for a surge of exceptionally cold Arctic air. Temperatures are predicted to plummet to levels well below seasonal averages. This cold blast will also generate enough fresh snow in Western New York to require plowing operations through Tuesday.
This disruptive storm is part of a larger system traversing the entire nation over the weekend. After adding to the snowpack in the Western mountains on Saturday, its final act will be to drench the East Coast with rain on Sunday, setting the stage for a frigid start to the New Year.
