A powerful winter storm is set to bring dangerous ice accumulation and heavy snow to 19 states, prompting travel warnings and winter weather advisories across much of the Midwest and Northeast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma under winter weather advisories. Meanwhile, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Baltimore-Washington metro area are under ice storm warnings due to the threat of significant ice buildup.
Major disruptions expected
Meteorologists warn that the storm will lead to widespread power outages, treacherous road conditions, and possible school and business closures on Thursday morning. Some areas may see up to half an inch of ice accumulation, leading to downed trees and power lines.
“A dangerous amount of ice is expected into Thursday, which could result in severe travel disruptions and damage to infrastructure,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.
Storm path and impact
The storm is expected to spread from the Midwest into the Great Lakes and Northeast throughout Wednesday and into Thursday. The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Upper Midwest, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and parts of interior New York and New England, where some areas could see up to six inches of snow.
- The Midwest: Snow and freezing rain will develop early Wednesday, impacting travel in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
- The Great Lakes & Ohio Valley: By Wednesday night, ice accumulation will build up between Interstates 70 and 80 in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
- The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: The ice threat expands Thursday into Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and New Jersey. New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston could see a mix of snow and ice.
Severe weather conditions persist
Thunderstorms, strong winds, and additional winter storms are expected in the coming days, adding to travel hazards.
- Wind gusts of 40-50 mph will impact the Great Lakes and Northeast Thursday into Friday.
- Another winter storm is expected to follow this weekend, further disrupting travel and daily life.
With additional storms forecasted between February 5-11, meteorologists warn this could be the start of an active and disruptive winter weather pattern.
