Key Takeaways:
- Over 18 million people are under winter weather alerts across the West and Midwest due to heavy snow and bitter winds
- A strong system is producing heavy snow across the Northern Rockies, with higher peaks expected to receive over a foot of snow through Saturday
- The Northern Plains and Upper Midwest can expect 4 to 6 inches of snow, with locally higher totals possible
- Bitter cold will follow the snow, with subzero lows possible in the Dakotas and Minnesota by Sunday night into Monday
- The Pacific Northwest will experience heavy rain and flash flooding due to a series of Pacific systems arriving late Sunday into Monday
Introduction to Winter Weather Alerts
The United States is bracing for a severe winter storm that is expected to affect over 18 million people across the West and Midwest. A strong system is currently producing heavy snow across the Northern Rockies, with higher peaks expected to receive over a foot of snow through Saturday. According to CBS Meteorologist Andrew Kozak, the snowfall will expand into the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest from South Dakota to northwest Illinois, with 4 to 6 inches of snow likely and locally higher totals possible. This has led to winter weather alerts being issued for several states, including Colorado, where winter storm warnings and winter storm advisories are in effect.
Snowfall and Winter Weather Advisories
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Chicago, with up to 2 to 5 inches of snow expected, according to CBS Chicago. This is likely to lead to slick roadways and sidewalks by the morning hours, making travel conditions hazardous. The National Weather Service predicts moderate to heavy snow over parts of the Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley on Saturday night, further exacerbating the winter weather conditions. The snow system is expected to move through the metro and southern part of the state starting Saturday afternoon, with bitter temperatures expected. The Dakotas and Minnesota can expect subzero lows by Sunday night into Monday, making the cold snap even more severe.
Bitter Cold and Snowfall
The bitter cold that will follow the snowfall is a major concern, as it can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the Dakotas and Minnesota, where subzero lows are possible by Sunday night into Monday. The cold snap is expected to be severe, with wind chill values making the air feel even colder. The snowfall and bitter cold will make travel conditions hazardous, and people are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. The winter storm warnings and winter storm advisories that have been issued for Colorado and other states are a testament to the severity of the winter weather conditions.
Pacific Northwest Weather
The Pacific Northwest is also expected to experience severe weather, with a series of Pacific systems arriving late Sunday into Monday. According to Kozak, this will bring widespread heavy rain to western Washington and Oregon, leading to flash flooding. The saturated ground will quickly convert new rainfall to runoff, making flood watches necessary. The heavy rain threat will continue over the next 5-10 days, making it a prolonged period of severe weather for the region. The flash flooding that is expected will be a major concern, as it can lead to property damage and displacement of people.
Conclusion and Preparations
In conclusion, the winter storm that is expected to affect the West and Midwest is a severe weather event that requires attention and preparation. The snowfall, bitter cold, and flash flooding that are expected will make travel conditions hazardous and can lead to property damage and displacement of people. It is essential for people to stay informed about the weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes staying indoors, avoiding travel, and having a winter emergency kit ready. By taking these precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the winter storm and stay safe until the weather improves.