US, Canada: Storm system to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to eastern regions through Jan. 18

Event

A strengthening storm system will bring snow to portions of the Appalachia, Great Lakes, and New England regions of the US, as well as Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick in Canada through Jan. 18. The affected areas include central West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, Vermont, central and northern New Hampshire, and northern Maine in the US, as well as southeastern Ontario, central and southern Quebec, and northern New Brunswick in Canada. Forecast models indicate bands of snow will begin to fall in the Appalachian Mountains overnight Jan. 15 while rain falls in lower elevations of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This area of precipitation will spread northeastward early Jan. 16 toward New York and Ontario, Canada. The snow will become heavy by midday Jan. 16 as the system reaches northern New England and Quebec. Steady snow will persist in portions of Quebec, northern New Brunswick, and northern Maine, while scattered snow showers and snow squalls persist farther west in the affected area due to lake-effect banding. The system is expected to fully depart the region Jan. 18. Some uncertainty remains in the forecasted track of the system, and projected snow amounts are subject to changes over the coming days.

Government Advisories
As of Jan. 15, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for portions of western Maine, Upstate New York, and southern Vermont, while winter weather advisories are in effect for northern New Hampshire, northeastern Vermont, and far northern New York. Additionally, Environment Canada has issued snowfall and winter storm warnings across southeastern Ontario and central and southern Quebec, while special weather statements for snowfall are in effect for northern New Brunswick. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The latest forecast guidance indicates that accumulations of 15-40 cm (6-16 inches) of snow are expected in the hardest-hit areas, including southeastern Ontario, interior southern Quebec, and northern New England. This area includes Ottawa. Accumulations of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected across the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern US, as well as Upstate New York. Lower amounts are expected across the rest of the affected area where the snow may mix with rain and the precipitation is less intense. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts are likely to lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Transport
The inclement weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area through Jan. 18. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways, including the I-64, I-70, I-76, I-77, I-79, I-80, I-81, I-86, I-88, I-90, I-91, I-93, and I-99 corridors in the US, as well as the Trans-Canada Highway, Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, and Autoroute de l'Outaouais in Canada. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports, including, but not limited to, those serving Buffalo (BUF), Ottawa (YOW), Montreal (YUL), and Quebec City (YQB).

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through at least Jan. 18. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

US National Weather Service
US Road Conditions
Meteorological Service of Canada