New Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 11 States as 10 Inches of Snow 65 mph Winds Approach
The National Weather Service is tracking another winter storm set to bring up to 10 inches of snow and dangerous 65 mph winds to much of the Eastern portion of the United States.
The Great Lakes area is set to receive 1-3 inches of snow from a quick-moving clipper, though locally higher amounts are possible for cities downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. As the front pushes east, coastal New England is expected to receive as much as 4-5 inches of snow and strong winds.
11 States Bracing for up to 10 Inches of Snow, 60 mph Winds
A total of 11 states are in the latest warnings from the National Weather Service.
Alaska: Accustomed to winter weather, Alaska is no stranger to warnings from the NWS. This weekend a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected with total snow and sleet accumulations up to 2 inches. Total ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch of ice.
Kentucky: Total snow accumulations of up to 1 inch for most locations with isolated amounts of up to 2 inches are possible. Drivers should prepare for slippery road conditions that could impact travel during the day on Friday.
Maryland/DC: Total snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches, with locally higher totals along western favored ridges (such as Backbone Mountain, Piney Mountain, and Keysers Ridge) are expected. Meanwhile, winds gusting as high as 50 to 60 mph will lead to significant blowing and drifting snow causing visibility to drop to under a quarter mile.
Michigan: The Mitten is once again bracing for lake effect snow, with additional snow accumulations up to three inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph could create areas of blowing snow.
New York: Also familiar with lake effect snow, cities east of Lakes Erie and Ontario are set to see total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches, with 4 to 7 inches expected along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Ohio: Snow and blowing snow expected with total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in the higher terrain of the snowbelt. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will limit visibility and make travel difficult.
Pennsylvania: Total snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches are expected with winds gusting as high as 60 mph. "Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday evening commute," the NWS said.
South Carolina: Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches with isolated locations seeing 6 to 8 inches along the Tennessee border with winds gusting as high as 60 mph, and up to 65 mph on higher ridgetops.
Tennessee: Areas near the Smoky Mountains can expect total snow accumulations 2 to 4 inches for elevations at or above 2500 feet, with up to 6 inches possible on the highest mountain peaks.
West Virginia: Much of West Virginia will be subject to up to 8 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, and 55 mph winds that could cause tree limbs to fall and bring down power lines, causing potential power outages, according to the National Weather Service.
Virginia: Expected to receive the brunt of the storm, Virginia is preparing for up to 10 inches of snow and 60 mph winds. "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages," the NWS warned. "Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute."
Snow Squalls Will Make Travel 'Dangerous' as Life-Threatening Temperatures Hit
Perhaps the worst of the storm will be felt in the form of snow squalls.
"While snow amounts may remain light for many locations, the gusty winds accompanying the cold front passage may lead to some snow squalls bringing quick bursts of intense, blowing snow and suddenly dangerous driving conditions," the National Weather Service said.
But that's not all. Bitter cold air is expected to follow with forecast highs on Saturday dropping into the single digits.
"The combination of frigid temperatures and strong winds will bring dangerously cold wind chills as low as -30 to portions of the Interior Northeast/New England and as low as the negative single digits and teens closer to the coast Saturday morning through Sunday morning. These wind chills will pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin," the National Weather Service said.
Those preparing to drive in the wintry conditions should take the proper precautions, like checking tire pressure and keeping a winter emergency kit in the car.
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