A powerful winter storm is heading straight for 12 states, bringing everything from feet of snow to dangerous ice and bitter cold. Some areas could see up to 48 inches of snow, while others face slick, ice-covered roads and power outages. The storm is expected to cause widespread disruptions, with residents being warned to prepare for several days of messy and hazardous conditions.
Who’s in the Storm’s Path?
The storm isn’t just hitting one area—it’s sweeping across much of the country. Winter storm warnings have been issued for Washington, Colorado, Idaho, California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, Alaska, and Michigan. That’s a lot of ground to cover, and it means millions of people will be affected.
The storm will first take shape over the central U.S. before spreading eastward, impacting major cities like Chicago, Des Moines, Syracuse, and Burlington. Up in the mountains of California, forecasters are expecting up to 48 inches of snow, while parts of the Midwest and Northeast could see a mix of snow and freezing rain that will make travel nearly impossible.
What’s Making This Storm So Intense?
It’s all about the collision of two air masses. Warm, moisture-laden air from the south is meeting frigid Arctic air coming down from the north. When these two systems collide, they create the perfect recipe for heavy snow and freezing rain. Some areas will be blanketed with snow for days, while others will be dealing with sheets of ice on the ground, cars, and power lines.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all storm. For mountain areas, it means heavy snow piling up. But for cities in the Midwest and Northeast, freezing rain is the bigger threat, with icy roads and power outages likely.
Two Scenarios Meteorologists Are Watching
The storm could take one of two main tracks, and each would bring a different set of problems:
- The Ice Scenario: If a strong low-pressure system stays over the Plains, freezing rain could stretch from the Midwest to the Northeast, creating a long swath of ice along Interstate 90. This would lead to dangerous travel conditions, downed trees, and power outages that could last for days.
- The Snow Scenario: If the storm shifts east and strengthens along the coast, areas in New England could see more snow than ice. Cities like Boston and Hartford could get hit with several inches of snow, while the Midwest would see slightly less ice.
Either way, this storm isn’t one to take lightly.
Where Will the Snow Hit Hardest?
If you live in higher elevations or the northern parts of the country, get your snow shovel ready. Here are the areas expected to see the most snow:
- Sierra Nevada Mountains (California): Up to 48 inches of snow could fall in higher elevations, creating dangerous driving conditions and potential avalanches.
- Colorado and Wyoming: Expect heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions, especially in mountain passes.
- Northern Michigan and Minnesota: Up to 18 inches of snow could fall, with blowing and drifting snow reducing visibility.
Why Freezing Rain Is a Serious Concern
For many areas in the Midwest and Northeast, the bigger danger comes from freezing rain, not snow. Freezing rain forms when warm air causes precipitation to fall as rain, but it freezes on contact with the cold ground, creating a layer of ice. This ice can make roads, sidewalks, and driveways incredibly slippery—and it’s a nightmare for power lines and trees.
Some cities could see up to 0.50 inches of ice, which is more than enough to knock out power for thousands of people and make driving extremely dangerous. Areas like Chicago, Des Moines, and Syracuse are on high alert for icing.
What Can You Do to Prepare?
You don’t want to be scrambling for supplies when the storm hits. Here’s what you can do to get ready:
- Stock Up: Make sure you have enough food, water, and supplies to last for a few days. Don’t forget flashlights, batteries, and blankets in case of power outages.
- Charge Your Devices: Charge your phone, laptop, and any backup power banks so you can stay connected if the power goes out.
- Limit Travel: If freezing rain or heavy snow is expected, stay off the roads. Black ice can be deadly, and you don’t want to be stuck in a ditch.
- Check Your Heating: Make sure your furnace or heating system is working properly. Have space heaters or extra blankets ready, just in case.
- Stay Updated: Monitor local weather reports, and don’t ignore emergency alerts. Conditions can change quickly during storms like this.
How Long Will This Storm Last?
The storm will start Tuesday night and stick around for several days. Heavy snow and freezing rain are expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, but some areas may continue to see snowfall into the weekend. Even after the storm passes, travel could remain dangerous due to ice-covered roads and downed trees blocking routes.
Why Are Winter Storms Getting More Extreme?
It seems like winter storms are getting bigger and more disruptive, and many scientists believe climate change is playing a role. The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the world, and this warming is messing with the jet stream—the high-altitude air current that controls much of our weather. When the jet stream weakens or dips, it allows cold air to spill farther south, creating conditions for massive winter storms like this one.
While not every storm can be directly tied to climate change, experts agree that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Take This Storm Lightly
This storm is more than just a snowy inconvenience—it’s the kind of system that can shut down highways, knock out power, and leave people stuck at home for days. If you live in the affected areas, take it seriously. Stock up, stay safe, and avoid unnecessary travel.
The good news? Once this storm clears, temperatures may start to warm up. But for now, it’s time to prepare for a winter wallop.
Stay warm, stay safe, and check on neighbors who may need extra help.