A powerful midweek ice storm is set to impact the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, bringing dangerous travel conditions, widespread power outages, and significant ice and snow accumulation. According to AccuWeather meteorologists, the storm is expected to affect 94 million Americans from Wednesday through Thursday as a mix of warm, humid air and cold Arctic air creates hazardous winter weather.
The storm will produce a combination of snow and ice across a vast area. Forecasts predict 1-3 inches of snow from eastern Montana to northern Michigan, with 3-6 inches in northern North Dakota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Some areas could see up to 10 inches of snow.
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The biggest concern, however, is significant ice accretion, which could reach 0.50 inches along Interstates 80 and 94 in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Meanwhile, northern Pennsylvania, southern New York, and parts of the central Appalachians could see up to half an inch of ice, which could damage infrastructure and make travel nearly impossible.
Travel is expected to become extremely hazardous, particularly in areas like Harrisburg, Scranton, State College, and Williamsport in Pennsylvania, as well as Binghamton, New York, and Cumberland, Maryland. Ice buildup on roads and bridges could make driving treacherous, and there is potential for highway closures and flight delays.
For those along the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to Boston, a brief period of freezing rain is expected before transitioning to regular rainfall, while areas closer to the Canadian border will see more snowfall before icing occurs.
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The storm’s most severe impact will likely be on the power grid. Ice accumulation weighing down power lines and tree branches could result in widespread outages that may last for days. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned that even a thin layer of ice can make travel deadly, and that a half inch of ice can add 500 pounds or more to power lines, increasing the risk of power failures and road blockages.
This storm is just the beginning of an active weather pattern that could bring even more winter storms in the coming days. AccuWeather’s long-range forecasters are monitoring two additional storms that could impact the same regions. The first is expected from Friday through the weekend, bringing more snow and ice to the Midwest and Northeast. A third storm is possible early next week, with the potential for even greater impacts across a larger region.
With severe winter weather on the horizon, residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions. Experts recommend stocking up on essential supplies in case of prolonged power outages, keeping emergency kits in vehicles, and charging electronic devices ahead of time. The AccuWeather 2025 U.S. Spring Forecast, set to be released on February 5, will provide further insights into the long-term winter weather outlook.
As meteorologists continue to track these developing storms, staying informed and prepared will be crucial in minimizing the dangers posed by this extreme winter weather.
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