A powerful winter storm is gearing up to sweep across a massive 1,800-mile stretch of the northern United States this weekend, bringing heavy snow, dangerous ice, and bitter cold. From the northern Rockies to the Midwest and all the way into the Northeast, millions will feel the impact of this intense system, with travel disruptions, power outages, and hazardous road conditions all major concerns.
If you have weekend plans, especially any Super Bowl parties, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the forecast. This storm has the potential to upend travel and make driving treacherous, particularly in areas expecting the heaviest snow and ice accumulation.
Who Will Be Hit the Hardest?
Midwest & Great Lakes:
- Cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago will see snowfall begin late Friday into early Saturday. Accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible, with lake-effect snow potentially making totals even higher near the Great Lakes.
- Winds could gust 30-40 mph, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility on highways, including I-90 and I-94.
- Temperatures will plummet into the single digits and teens, making conditions even more dangerous for anyone caught outside.
Northeast:
- New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia are bracing for a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting Saturday night into Sunday.
- Snowfall totals could range from 3 to 8 inches, with heavier amounts in northern New England.
- Icy conditions could be a major issue, particularly in Pennsylvania and parts of upstate New York. Roads and sidewalks may become slick and dangerous, leading to travel delays.
How Bad Will It Get?
This isn’t just another snowstorm—it’s a complex system with multiple hazards. Here’s what to expect:
- Heavy Snow: Widespread 6 to 12 inches across the hardest-hit areas, with some spots seeing more than a foot.
- Icy Roads: Freezing rain and sleet could make travel nearly impossible in parts of the Northeast.
- Dangerous Wind Chills: Bitter cold will settle in behind the storm, with wind chills dropping below zero in some areas.
- Travel Chaos: Flights could see major delays and cancellations, particularly in airports like Chicago O’Hare, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Boston Logan.
Super Bowl Sunday Plans? You Might Want to Stay In
With the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers set to face off Sunday night, football fans might be dealing with treacherous conditions trying to get to parties. If you’re hosting, make sure your guests can get home safely—or better yet, tell them to bring a sleeping bag!
