Major Winter Storm Afflicts U.S. Northern Tier

Just as one clipper exits New England, the remnants of an atmospheric river will evolve into yet another destructive winter storm.  

Multiple impactful winter storms riding ocean to ocean along the U.S.-Canada border will depart with major winter storm organizing in the Lower Great Lakes on Sunday afternoon. The storm will slowly revolve northeastward on Monday, sauntering through northeastern Canada on Tuesday. High winds, significant snow, and heavy rain will plague the Plains and the U.S. Northern Tier across its track. 

Snow will blow from the Cascades to the northern and Colorado Rocky Front Range and Dakotas and much of Minnesota through early Sunday morning. A band of intense snow, containing blizzard-like conditions, even if brief, will turn from South Dakota and Nebraska to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Sunday and Monday. A bit of lake-effect snow may persist in the favored snow belts through Tuesday, however. 

Widespread gusts of 45 to 60 mph, with high western U.S. terrain gusting up to 75 mph, will pair with the snow to produce dangerous to impossible travel. If you cannot avoid travelling, especially in the high terrain of the Rockies and Cascades, make sure to learn about snow chain requirements for your vehicle of choice. Snowfall accumulation ranging from a few inches to 2 to locally 3 feet will be common from the Washington Cascades through the northwestern Great Lakes. 

High Wind Watches, Wind Advisories, and High Wind Warnings cover most of the West from southeastern Oregon and northeastern Nevada to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Front Range, spilling over into the southern and central Plains through Sunday behind a cold front. These impactful gusts will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, and may lead to widespread power outages. Red Flag Warnings have also been posted for the central and southern Plains from Nebraska through parts of New Mexico and Texas. High winds and low humidity could lead to rapidly deteriorating wildfire conditions. 

Blizzard Warnings are in effect across the northern Rockies in Montana as well as several portions of the Midwest. Within the Midwest, alerts can be found from South Dakota through Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, and Winter Storm Watches remain in effect from the Washington Cascades to the Colorado Rocky Front Range and as far east as Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and in northern and central Michigan. Ames and Des Moines, Iowa, the Twin Cities, Green Bay, Wis., Marquette, Mich., in addition to Billings and Missoula, Mont., and Spokane, Wash., are included. 

Well ahead of this low-pressure system, a fast-moving clipper system shifts into Atlantic Canada this evening. Accumulating snow will occur along its path, with 4 to 8 inches becoming common for higher elevations and downwind of lakes. A few spots northwest of Interstate 95 in the taller terrain of Maine may pick up locally 8 to 16 inches, with similar totals forecast in parts 

Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings remain in Upstate New York into western Massachusetts, where gusts of 45 to 55 mph could still blast. 

Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid traveling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.