Arctic Blast and Major Winter Storm Set to Unleash Dangerous Conditions Across Much of the U.S. Including Locally

Residents across a wide swath of the United States are bracing for a significant weather event as a potent combination of a major winter storm and a dangerously cold Arctic air mass is expected to bring hazardous conditions through the weekend. According to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, the forecast calls for widespread snow squalls, crippling ice and sleet, and life-threateningly cold temperatures impacting travel, infrastructure, and personal safety. The unfolding weather scenario will begin with scattered snow squalls creating dangerous travel conditions from the interior Northeast to northern and central New England through Friday. Simultaneously, an Arctic blast will spill dangerously cold air over the Great Plains and Eastern U.S. through Saturday. Five to ten inches of snow may be possible in the Hagerstown area.

The NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, has issued advisories detailing the expected impacts. In the Northeast, lake effect snow showers are anticipated downwind of the Great Lakes, continuing through Friday. These will be accompanied by snow showers and snow squalls developing behind a strong surface cold front moving through the region. Multiple rounds of snow squalls are possible, particularly in Upstate New York and New England, with a second wave expected Friday afternoon. These squalls are characterized by heavy snowfall rates and strong, gusty winds, leading to rapidly accumulating snow on roadways and near-zero visibility, posing a significant risk to drivers. Motorists caught in a snow squall are advised to reduce speed, turn on lights and hazard lights, and avoid sudden braking if they cannot safely exit the road.

Concurrently, a substantial influx of cold Arctic air will infiltrate the Northern and Central Plains, and the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes region today. This frigid air mass is forecast to expand into the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest by tonight. This Arctic outbreak will be accompanied by gusty winds, generating dangerous wind chill values. The coldest wind chills could plummet below -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northern Plains, with sub-zero wind chills extending as far southeast as the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Mississippi Valley, and Southern Plains. These extreme wind chills present a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to unprotected skin. Furthermore, the possibility of power outages caused by the impending winter storm could exacerbate these risks and prolong exposure to the cold. Pet owners and those with livestock are urged to ensure adequate protection for animals from the extreme cold. Extreme cold warnings are currently in effect for much of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, while cold weather advisories and extreme cold watches are in place further south across the Southern Plains and Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley.

This severe cold air, in conjunction with a surface front to its south and a significant atmospheric disturbance moving through northern Mexico, is expected to spawn a large and prolonged winter storm. This system will track from the Southern High Plains and Rockies towards the Northeast. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are predicted to affect areas from the Southern Rockies and Plains into the Mid-South beginning Friday, eventually spreading eastward to the Mid-Atlantic and New England over the weekend. The cold air mass following the storm is expected to prolong hazardous travel conditions and infrastructure disruptions. Widespread freezing rain and sleet are anticipated south of the primary snow zone, with the potential to cripple portions of the Southern Plains and the Lower Mississippi Valley on Friday. Significant and damaging ice accumulations could lead to extended power outages, widespread tree damage, and travel conditions that are extremely dangerous or impassable. The impacts from dangerous ice and sleet are expected to shift eastward into parts of the Southeast, Tennessee Valley, and Mid-Atlantic throughout the weekend.

For the Hagerstown area, the forecast indicates a high likelihood of at least five inches of snow, with accumulations potentially exceeding ten inches in many areas. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are possible at times during Saturday night. A wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain could develop on Sunday, particularly in areas south of Interstate 70 and east of Interstate 95. Significant ice accumulation is also a concern, especially across central Virginia. Visibility could be reduced to a quarter mile or less during periods of heavy precipitation.

In addition to the snowfall and ice, extremely cold temperatures are anticipated to grip the region from Friday night through the middle of next week. Dangerous wind chills, some as low as 15 degrees below zero, are expected Friday evening and Saturday morning, posing a risk of frostbite to exposed skin. Sub-zero wind chills are possible at other times during this extended cold spell.

Travel is expected to be severely impacted by this storm. Authorities are advising residents to make necessary preparations now, including stocking up on essential groceries and medications that may be difficult to access during potential closures. It is also recommended to have an emergency kit in vehicles, equipped with extra batteries, a flashlight, and blankets, in case of being stranded. Drivers are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are fueled or charged before the storm arrives. The prolonged period of frigid temperatures also necessitates checking on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, as well as ensuring the welfare of pets and livestock.

The affected areas for the Winter Storm Watch include portions of central, north-central, and northern Maryland; central, northern, northwestern, and western Virginia; and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. The Cold Weather Advisory specifically highlights parts of north-central and western Maryland, northwestern Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia, where the dangerously cold wind chills are most likely.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from NWS Weather Prediction Center

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