As winter storms continue to pummel the United States, meteorologists are warning that another major system will bring heavy snow, ice, and rain from the Midwest to the New England coastline this weekend. Following a midweek storm, a secondary round of active weather is expected to move in quickly, amplifying the challenges already faced by residents and road crews.
After the initial midweek storm, a blast of Arctic air is forecasted to sweep southward from Canada. This will cause temperatures to plummet by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit across much of the Ohio Valley and Northeast. Many cities will experience significant temperature fluctuations, with unseasonably warm conditions giving way to much colder air within a short period.
For example, Pittsburgh will see highs in the 50s on Thursday, accompanied by rain and thunderstorms. However, by Thursday night, temperatures will fall sharply into the 20s, with highs struggling to reach the 30s on Friday. This rollercoaster pattern will create a challenging environment as precipitation types shift from rain to freezing rain and snow.
Most cities in the Midwest, including Indianapolis, Detroit, and Columbus, Ohio, will experience a brief break in precipitation on Friday as a high-pressure system moves in. However, this dry spell will be short-lived as another system organizes over the Plains and advances toward the Ohio Valley by Friday evening.
This new storm will bring widespread precipitation, with a band of snow developing from the Dakotas through the Great Lakes and into northern New England. The storm’s southern edge will bring rain, while a hazardous corridor of ice and sleet is expected to develop from Iowa to the New England coast. Meteorologists warn that the ice accumulations could be more severe and widespread than those seen earlier in the week, raising concerns about power outages and dangerous travel conditions.
The second storm’s arrival so soon after the first will strain road crews and utility companies, potentially leading to more significant disruptions. Areas experiencing ice accumulation of more than 0.25 inches on trees, power lines, and roads could face widespread power outages. The greatest risk for these outages extends from the upper Ohio Valley through parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.
With road crews already working to clear and treat roads from the first storm, the additional snow and ice could make it difficult to keep up with demand. Motorists should prepare for hazardous travel conditions throughout the weekend.
Long-range forecasters indicate that this weekend’s storm is just one of many expected to impact the U.S. in early February. A persistent storm track originating in Canada and the northern Plains continues to feed Arctic air into the central and eastern U.S., resulting in repeated rounds of snow, ice, and rain.
Meteorologists predict another significant winter storm early next week. A system forming in Texas is expected to move toward the Mid-Atlantic by late Monday, bringing heavy snow and ice north of its path while severe weather and heavy rain impact the Southeast.
Residents across the Midwest and Northeast should remain vigilant, as the stormy pattern shows no signs of letting up in the near future. Preparing for travel delays, power outages, and rapidly changing weather conditions will be essential as winter continues its relentless grip.
