Winter Storm Alerts to Affect 18 Million in West and Midwest
Winter weather alerts are currently in effect for over 18 million people across the West and Midwest. These alerts indicate significant snowfalls and frigid temperatures expected in many areas.
Forecast Overview
A robust weather system is producing notable snow accumulations in the Northern Rockies. According to meteorological reports, some higher elevations may receive more than a foot of snow by Saturday.
Impact on Northern Plains and Upper Midwest
As the weather system progresses eastward, snow will spread into the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Areas from South Dakota to northwest Illinois are forecasted to experience accumulations of 4 to 6 inches, with the possibility of local totals exceeding this range.
- Chicago: A winter weather advisory has been issued, anticipating 2 to 5 inches of snow, which may lead to icy roads and sidewalks by morning.
- Dakotas and Minnesota: Bitterly cold conditions will follow, with subzero temperatures expected by Sunday night into Monday.
Additional Weather Systems
In Minnesota, another wave of snow is expected to move through Southern parts of the state starting Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service has predicted moderate to heavy snow across the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley on Saturday night.
Winter Storm Alerts Across the Region
Winter storm warnings and advisories are currently active in Colorado, where substantial snowfall is anticipated in the mountains. Furthermore, the Pacific Northwest is bracing for a series of storms set to arrive late Sunday into Monday.
- Western Washington and Oregon: These regions are expected to receive heavy rainfall, raising concerns for flash flooding. Flood watches have already been established due to saturated ground conditions.
The threat of heavy rainfall is expected to persist over the coming days, spanning 5 to 10 days, raising additional concerns for areas already impacted by recent precipitation.
