Key Takeaways:
- A powerful cyclone system is bringing severe weather to the upper United States, including heavy snow, blizzards, extreme cold, and damaging winds.
- Over 8 million people are under winter storm warnings, and nearly 2 million are under blizzard warnings.
- A ‘bomb cyclone’ is expected to form over the Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing harsh weather conditions.
- Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are expected in areas such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
- Cold temperatures and freezing rain are also expected, with wind chill values as low as 15 degrees below zero in some areas.
Introduction to the Storm
An intense cyclone system is fueling a mix of severe weather, including a winter storm that will impact upper parts of the United States. Heavy snow, blizzards, extreme cold, and damaging winds are likely to create hazardous conditions stretching from Montana east to Maine, and Texas north to Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS has issued winter storm warnings for over 8 million people, and nearly 2 million are under blizzard warnings. Meteorologists warn that after winter weather on Friday and Saturday, an arctic front clashing with warm air could rapidly intensify into a ‘bomb cyclone’ over the Midwest and Great Lakes through Monday.
Expected Weather Conditions
The ‘bomb cyclone’ is expected to bring significant snowfall to areas such as east central Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. According to NWS Lead Forecaster Bob Oravec, "We are anticipating some pretty big snows over the next 24 hours, especially across east central Minnesota to northern Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A lot of those places will have 6-12 inches." Blizzard conditions will cause near zero visibility and possible power outages Sunday night through Monday evening in some locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, according to the NWS Marquette. A foot of snow or more is possible in areas along Lake Superior, with 40 to 65 mile per hour winds.
Preparations and Impact
Marquette Mayor Paul Schloegel told NPR on Sunday that the Marquette Board of Light & Power is prepared to handle any loss of electricity. He said in an email that the main priority is keeping people safe. "We tend to heed the advice of our weather forecasters and prepare to hunker down as needed," Schloegel wrote. "As far as taking care of the snow, our extremely dedicated public works and MDOT crews do a great job taking care of our residents, they are true professionals. Roads are usually back to normal within 24 [hours]." Schloegel said Marquette residents appreciate a good blizzard while taking precautions. "We choose to live here for our love of [four] full seasons and appreciate the effect the greatest lake, Lake Superior, has on our climate," he said.
State-Specific Impacts
Minnesota is also bracing for major impacts, with blizzard and winter storm warnings and advisories in place for most of the state. As much as 10 inches of snow could fall in the Twin Cities, and potentially life-threatening travel conditions are likely through early Monday morning, according to the NWS. The ‘bomb cyclone’ is also sending cold temperatures below freezing, with residents of Havre, Mont., about 45 miles south of the Canadian border, could feel wind chill values as low as 15 degrees below zero late Sunday. The actual temperature is forecast to fall to 2 degrees below zero. Farther south in Dallas, Texas, temperatures are expected to drop dramatically from the 80s on Sunday to highs in the 40s on Monday, according to the NWS.
Northeastern United States Impact
In the Northeast, freezing rain could cause travel problems, including icing in northern New England and northern New York state, late Sunday into Monday, according to Oravec. When colder air moves into New York City early this week, remaining snow on the ground from the weekend storm will freeze and create further hazardous travel conditions, Oravec said. The city is expected to experience significant disruptions, with snow and freezing rain making travel and daily activities challenging. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates to ensure their safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intense cyclone system is expected to bring severe weather to the upper United States, including heavy snow, blizzards, extreme cold, and damaging winds. The ‘bomb cyclone’ is expected to form over the Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing harsh weather conditions. Residents in affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions, stay informed, and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety. With over 8 million people under winter storm warnings and nearly 2 million under blizzard warnings, it is essential to prioritize safety and be prepared for the worst.