Upcoming Winter Storm to Affect Midwest and Northeast

An intense winter weather system is poised to impact the upper Midwest on Thursday, bringing a mixture of snow and ice as it progresses to the lower regions of the Northeast by Friday and concluding by early Saturday.

Affected Areas and Ice Hazards

On Thursday evening, northern parts of Minneapolis and Wisconsin are expected to experience freezing rain, which will continue shifting towards Michigan by Friday morning. This icy precipitation is predicted to reach western and central Pennsylvania later in the day.

Central and western sections of Pennsylvania are likely to see the highest ice accumulations. Motorists traveling through these areas, particularly those using the I-80 and I-70 corridors, should be extra vigilant due to hazardous road conditions and potential power outages caused by significant ice build-up.

In locations such as Johnstown and Clarion within central Pennsylvania, ice accumulation might exceed a quarter of an inch. Northeastern West Virginia and large parts of Michigan, including Detroit, could similarly encounter up to 0.2 inches of ice.

Washington, D.C., and Baltimore might also see some ice accumulation from Friday into the night, resulting in slippery conditions on roads and walkways.

Snowfall Predictions

Beginning Thursday afternoon, snow flurries may appear as early as midday in New York City. However, the majority of snowfall is anticipated to occur after 4 p.m., continuing through Thursday night across the region, impacting areas including upstate New York, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Notably, Boston is not expected to receive heavy snowfall during this period.

Heavy snow is predicted to taper off by early Sunday morning, with all snow activity expected to cease between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday. New York City, northern New Jersey, the southern Hudson Valley, and western Pennsylvania are likely to record the most considerable snow accumulation, potentially exceeding half a foot, with some spots receiving 8 to 9 inches.

Regional Ice Concern in the Upper Midwest

As the storm advances, the upper Midwest will also face challenges from ice, with potential build-up of approximately 0.2 inches affecting areas from northern Minnesota through northern Wisconsin and Michigan.

Residents in these areas should prepare for difficult travel conditions on untreated surfaces and check for updates from local weather services for safety recommendations.