Key Takeaways:
- A powerful storm is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to over 1,000 miles of the country, affecting post-holiday travel plans.
- The storm will bring significant snowfall to the Midwest, with some areas potentially receiving over 6 inches of snow.
- Arctic air will bring frigid temperatures to the US, with highs in the teens and low 20s expected in some areas.
- Travel disruptions are expected due to snow, ice, and rain, with some areas potentially experiencing flash flooding.
- The cold air will expand east, bringing freezing temperatures to most of the Lower 48 states.
Introduction to the Storm
The holiday season is coming to an end, and for many Americans, the journey home is just beginning. However, a potent storm is moving in, threatening to disrupt travel plans across the country. The storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to over 1,000 miles of the country, is forecasted to morph into a full-blown, cross-country storm by the weekend. This storm has the potential to cause significant disruptions to travel, with snow, ice, and rain expected to affect many areas.
The Storm’s Path and Impact
The storm is currently moving through the Rockies and is expected to strengthen as it heads towards the Midwest. Snow has already begun to fall in parts of the northern Rockies and the northern Plains, and will continue to spread throughout the day. The center of the storm is forecasted to move into the Plains by early Saturday morning, bringing snow, rain, and icy mix to much of the nation’s midsection. Areas east of the Mississippi River will have to deal with the storm on Sunday, with snow expected in the Great Lakes and rain stretching through the South.
Snowfall and Travel Disruptions
The biggest snowfall is expected to center on the Midwest, with significant parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan expected to receive over 6 inches of snow. If the Chicago area receives 8 or more inches of snow, it will be the snowiest two-day stretch for the city since January 2021. Travel could be nearly impossible at times in these areas, with heavy snow piling up and making road conditions hazardous. Additionally, a sloppy mix of wet or icy snow is possible for parts of Kansas and Nebraska, making driving conditions difficult.
Rain and Flooding
Rain could also disrupt holiday travel south of the snowy areas, with rain and thunderstorms potentially producing localized flash flooding in parts of the South. Portions of eastern Texas, including Houston, and western Louisiana could experience flooding issues on Saturday. The rain will shift to the East on Sunday, causing slow-going travel for anyone driving in the area.
Arctic Blast
An even colder blast of air is expected to move into the US behind the storm, bringing frigid temperatures to many areas. High temperatures in the teens and low 20s are likely as far south as Nebraska, with low temperatures dipping below freezing all the way into northern Texas. Sunday’s high temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees colder than typical for much of the central US, with some parts of the Midwest potentially ending up with highs stuck well-below freezing.
Long-Term Forecast
The cold air will expand east, bringing freezing temperatures to most of the Lower 48 states. Parts of Montana, the Dakotas, and the Upper Midwest could wake up to temperatures several degrees below zero on Monday, December 1. December marks the start of meteorological winter, and it will certainly feel like it well into the first week of the season. The upcoming Arctic blast could be a preview of more cold to come deeper into December, due to a disruption of the polar vortex.