A powerful winter storm is set to impact the Midwest, bringing heavy snowfall and major travel disruptions to cities including Kansas City, Chicago, and Detroit. The storm, expected to be the biggest of the season so far, will stretch from Colorado to Maine, affecting some of the busiest transportation corridors in the United States.
According to meteorologists, the storm will begin Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday night, before moving into northern New England by Thursday. Accumulating snow will extend across nearly 2,000 miles, covering states from Colorado to Michigan and further into Maine. The snowstorm will bring significant disruptions to roadways and air travel along Interstate 70, 80, and 90, creating hazardous driving conditions and likely causing delays or cancellations at major airports.
For Chicago, this storm could bring the most snow the city has seen in a single event this winter. As of February 10, Chicago has received only 10 inches of snowfall—far below the historical average of 24.5 inches by this point in the season. Similarly, Detroit has recorded only 56% of its typical snowfall, while Milwaukee and Minneapolis have seen 39% and 44% of their usual totals, respectively. However, Kansas City has experienced slightly above-average snowfall this winter, and this storm is expected to add several more inches.
Forecasters predict a widespread accumulation of 3-6 inches of snow, with isolated pockets of 6-12 inches in some areas. This will likely lead to road closures and flight cancellations, particularly at major airports in Chicago and Detroit. Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City in Canada are also expected to receive heavy snowfall, with accumulations between 20-30 centimeters.
Meanwhile, areas just south of the heaviest snowfall may experience a wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain, and ice. Cities including Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Cleveland could see dangerously slippery conditions. Parts of West Virginia and western Virginia, especially along the Interstate 81 corridor, may experience significant ice buildup, raising concerns about power outages and hazardous travel.
In the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic regions, the storm is expected to bring mostly rain. However, mild air and precipitation could lead to foggy conditions, reducing visibility for both road and air travelers. Additionally, rapid thawing of ice-covered rivers and streams in these regions could cause ice jams and localized flooding, prompting officials to issue warnings for residents in vulnerable areas.
As this storm moves through, another system is already forming for the weekend, which may bring severe weather to the Southeast. Looking ahead, meteorologists predict continued storm activity in the coming weeks, making February a particularly active month for winter weather events.
Travelers and residents in affected regions are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and prepare for disruptions as the Midwest braces for its biggest snowstorm of the season.
