Winter Storm Warnings and Arctic Cold Front Impact

Several states are under winter storm warnings and advisories as an arctic cold front moves across the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the cold front will bring heavy snowfall, gusty winds, and dangerously hazardous travel conditions. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected to affect the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Central Appalachians by Thursday (5 December), with the possibility of power outages and tree damage.

In addition to high winds, the storm is expected to bring substantial snow to several regions. Areas in the Great Lakes region, especially the lake-effect snow belts, could experience one to two feet of snow. The Central Appalachians and higher elevations of interior New England may see up to a foot of snow. Blizzard warnings are in effect for the mountains of West Virginia and Garrett, Maryland, through Thursday (5 December), where wind gusts could reach 60 mph.

Winter storm warnings are also in place for parts of Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, lasting through the end of the week. Additionally, winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lake-effect snow warnings are in effect through Saturday for portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

The cold front will continue to bring freezing temperatures to millions across the Midwest and Northeast. On Thursday, the Midwest is expected to experience temperatures up to 30 degrees below average, with the lower Ohio River Valley and Central Appalachians potentially setting low maximum temperature records. The combination of snow and extreme cold poses significant risks for travel and daily activities in the affected areas.

References

• Winter Storm Warnings and Arctic Cold Blast Threaten Snow Power Outages and Travel