A relentless series of winter storms is set to impact millions across the Midwest, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic regions, bringing snow, ice, and treacherous travel conditions through the middle of next week. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the storms could lead to widespread disruptions, including power outages, dangerous road conditions, and potential delays for travelers and commuters.
According to AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno, February is beginning with a highly active weather pattern.
“A parade of three winter storms will bring snow, ice, and sleet to millions of people from the Midwest through the Northeast,” Rayno said. “Travel will be treacherous on roads and highways along the path of these storms. People should also prepare for power outages in areas where ice accumulates on tree branches and power lines.”
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The first storm, impacting the region through Thursday, is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and significant icing as it moves from the Plains into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. A second storm will follow, bringing icy conditions from the Midwest to New England from Friday night through Sunday. A third storm is forecast to hit next week, potentially disrupting travel plans for those returning from the big game in New Orleans.
The midweek storm is expected to create a corridor of ice where warm, humid air from the South clashes with cold Arctic air from the North. “Freezing rain is the most dangerous precipitation for travel—there is no traction at all on it,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Marshall Moss. “Ice patches are clear, making it tough for drivers to tell if roads are icy or just wet. Ice accumulations can also weigh down tree branches and power lines, resulting in power outages.”
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Major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland are expected to experience at least a glaze of ice, with the core of ice impacts developing overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. This timing could spell trouble for morning commuters along heavily traveled corridors, including Interstates 76, 80, 81, and 90.
Snow accumulations of 1-3 inches are forecast for areas from northeastern Montana through northern Michigan, with 3-6 inches expected across northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ for the region is 10 inches. As the storm moves east, 1-3 inches of snow are expected in parts of the Northeast, including New York City, with higher totals in northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
A second winter storm will bring icy impacts to a 1,300-mile-long swath from the Midwest to New England from Friday night through Sunday. The most significant risk of icing lies across northern Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania. Snow accumulations of 1-3 inches are expected across the northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Northeast, with plowable snow in the Dakotas and eastward through Maine. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ for this region is 18 inches.
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Localized power outages are possible across the Midwest and Northeast, particularly in western Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and northern West Virginia.
A third winter storm is expected to bring accumulating snowfall to parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic next week. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger warned that the storm could disrupt travel plans for fans and players returning home from the big game in New Orleans. “Snow could impact plans for a victory parade or outdoor celebrations for the winning team,” Deger said.
AccuWeather long-range experts predict that the stormy pattern bringing rounds of snow, sleet, and ice to the Midwest, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic will continue into mid-February. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepare for ongoing disruptions.
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