Key Takeaways:
- A powerful storm system has become a "bomb cyclone" and is bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes.
- The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, rain, and strong winds to the East Coast, with some areas potentially seeing up to 6-10 inches of snow.
- Several metropolitan areas, including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, are in the path of the storm.
- Wind gusts could reach 65-75 mph, and some areas may see up to 2 inches of rainfall.
- A surge of cold air is expected to bring lake effect snowfall, potentially reaching 1-2 feet in pockets of Michigan and upstate New York.
Introduction to the Storm System
A powerful storm system that brought heavy snow, rain, and strong winds across parts of the northern United States has become a "bomb cyclone," bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Plains and Great Lakes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a bomb cyclone is defined as a storm that rapidly intensifies, as measured by a large decrease in its atmospheric pressure over 24 hours. In this case, meteorologists warned that a frigid Arctic front plunging downward into the middle of the country could clash with warm air in the South, potentially causing a range of hazardous conditions, from snowstorms to thunderstorms, along with unusually cold temperatures.
Storm Forecast and Expected Conditions
The winter storm swept across the Great Lakes and was moving into the Northeast, bringing blizzard conditions, lake-enhanced snow, high winds, and an icy concoction of freezing rain, according to CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, with some areas potentially seeing up to 6-10 inches of snow by Tuesday. Along with snow, interior spots in New England should prepare for ice to accumulate, with close to 1 inch possible in certain places. Other areas could receive up to 2 inches of rainfall, while wind gusts could also reach 65 or 75 mph as the storm rolls through.
Affected Areas and Winter Weather Alerts
Several metropolitan areas are in the path of the storm, including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and New Orleans, as well as Buffalo and Syracuse, New York. Millions remained under various winter weather alerts and warnings as the storm traveled eastward on Monday, including blizzard warnings in effect for sections of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and ice storm warnings in place for parts of upstate New York and Vermont, according to the National Weather Service. A flurry of winter storm warnings also remained active through Tuesday in many of those same areas, in addition to broader sections of the Midwest and Northeast, from Wisconsin up to Maine.
Lake Effect Snowfall and Wind Gusts
A surge of cold air is due to arrive behind the cold front, which will allow lake effect snowfall to pile up, potentially reaching 1-2 feet in pockets of Michigan and upstate New York. Farther out from the Great Lakes themselves, a wider strip of the Upper Midwest and Northeast is expected to see between 1 and 6 inches of snow, with lower snowfall totals forecast for places as far south as Kentucky and West Virginia. High wind alerts were issued for more than 114 million people across the eastern U.S. as the cold front moves in, with wind gusts potentially reaching 65-75 mph.
Conclusion and Preparations
As the storm continues to move eastward, it is essential for people in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather forecast. The National Weather Service and local authorities have issued various winter weather alerts and warnings, and it is crucial to follow their instructions and stay safe during the storm. With the potential for heavy snow, ice, and strong winds, it is essential to be prepared for power outages, travel disruptions, and other hazards associated with the storm. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the storm and stay safe until it passes.
