Minneapolis, Minnesota – A powerful, multi-hazard winter storm is expected to impact a large portion of the United States from the Upper Midwest through the Great Lakes and into the Northeast from Sunday through early Tuesday.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, the storm will rapidly intensify over the Midwest on Sunday before tracking through the Great Lakes on Monday. Numerous winter weather hazards are expected along its path, including heavy snow, whiteout conditions, hazardous icing, and strong winds.
Periods of heavy snow are anticipated across the Upper Great Lakes late Sunday into Monday. Forecasters indicate a high probability of at least 4 inches of snow, with the greatest potential for more than 12 inches across portions of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where lake-enhanced snowfall is expected. Blowing snow may create whiteout conditions and make travel treacherous or impossible in some areas.
Farther east, locally heavy lake-effect snow is forecast to develop Monday across parts of western New York and northwest Pennsylvania behind a strong cold front. Snow bands may persist into midweek in lake-effect-prone areas.
In addition to snow, hazardous icing is expected across portions of the interior Northeast and northern Appalachians. The Weather Prediction Center reports a significant chance of at least one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation from a wintry mix beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing into Monday morning. Freezing spray is also expected along the northern shores of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Strong winds will accompany the storm, with gusts exceeding 40 mph in many areas. Bitterly cold air spilling south from Canada will result in sub-zero wind chills, with values as low as 20 degrees below zero possible across parts of North Dakota and northern Minnesota.
Residents are urged to closely monitor local forecasts, prepare for dangerous travel conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.
