Snow, Record-Breaking Cold Headed for Great Lakes & Northeast
A low pressure system from south-central Canada will bring frigid temperatures, high winds, and snow to a large portion of the eastern U.S. today through this weekend.
Winter is keeping a stranglehold over parts of the eastern U.S. as a low pressure system tracks across the Great Lakes today. Snow is already falling from Chicago and Milwaukee to Buffalo, N.Y. this morning. This snow will continue to make its way into the Northeast and Appalachia through Saturday.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories & Winter Storm Warnings from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to eastern Great Lakes and the Appalachian Mountains. Anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow is anticipated for the lower elevations of West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, central to eastern Pennsylvania, much of New York, and eastern Ohio. Higher elevations may see 3 to 8 inches of snowfall today and Saturday with the heaviest in West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and western Maryland. Parts of the Mid-Atlantic east of the Appalachians may see a coating to 2 inches in central to eastern Virginia, central to eastern Maryland, New Jersey, and southern New York.
In addition, it will become very windy on Saturday with 15 to 30 mph sustained winds and 50 to 60 mph wind gusts. Wind Advisories & High Wind Warnings have been issued for the Mid-Atlantic, Southern New England, central Pennsylvania, and parts of the Appalachians.
With the winds in mind, the most notable parameter for this event will be the extreme cold that’s going to take over. Wind chills 20 to 35 degrees below will be felt starting tonight lasting through the weekend. Extreme Cold Watches, Warnings, & Cold Advisories have been issued from Michigan to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians into New England. The combination of high winds and very low temperatures will produce life-threatening wind chills.
Without factoring in wind, temperatures will still be very cold, so cold in fact, many low-maximum records and low temperatures could be broken this weekend.
It cannot be understated how dangerous the cold will be as frostbite can set in on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less. If you have to venture outside, dress in layers being sure to cover up any exposed skin. Also, you can prevent water pipes from freezing by wrapping them or allowing them to drip slowly throughout the day.
Be sure to keep up with the latest watches and warnings from your local weather sources or by downloading the WeatherBug app. Stay warm!