US, Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast to continue across eastern and southern US and southeastern Canada through at least Feb. 19 /update 2

Event

Another storm system is forecast to continue to bring additional snow and ice to portions of the southern Plains, Southeast, Tennessee Valley, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions, US, and southeastern Canada through at least Feb. 19, which will further exaggerate disruptions across the affected area. The affected areas include central and eastern Texas, central and eastern Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, southern and central Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, western and northern Alabama, Tennessee, southern Illinois, southern and eastern Indiana, Kentucky, southeastern Michigan, Ohio, western and central North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Washington DC, US, and southeastern Ontario, far southern Quebec, southern, central Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, Canada. Some uncertainty remains in the forecast track of the system, and projected snow amounts are subject to change over the coming days.

As of Feb. 17, over three million people remain without power across Texas. Additionally, hundreds of thousands are without power across portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. As of Feb. 17, several airports are also closed, including the Jackson International Airport (JAN) until at least 0500 CST Feb. 18, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) until 1000 CST Feb. 17, and Abilene Regional Airport (ABI) until 0800 CST Feb. 17. Additionally, at least 17 people have died as a result of the ongoing systems across Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Missouri.

Government Advisories
As of Feb. 17, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for eastern and southern Texas, far eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, central and northern Louisiana, western and northern Mississippi, far northwestern Alabama, Tennessee, western and central North Carolina, eastern and central Kentucky, southern and central West Virginia, and Virginia. Winter weather watches are in effect for northeastern West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, northern and central New Jersey, central and eastern New York, southern New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and far southern Vermont. Winter weather advisories are in effect for central Oklahoma, southern Texas, southeastern Kansas, central and southern Missouri, western and northern Kentucky, far southern Indiana, far southern Ohio, far eastern Tennessee, and central North Carolina. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The latest forecast guidance indicates that accumulations of 6.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are likely from Arkansas and the Mid-South to the central Appalachians. Locally higher totals of at least 20 cm (8 inches) are possible across south-central Arkansas and the portions of the Appalachians in West Virginia and Virginia. Portions of eastern Texas, northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, western Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia, where temperatures are forecast to be near freezing for some time, could see ice accumulations of at least 0.6-1.2 cm (0.25-0.5 inches). In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts are likely to lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible.

Transport and Utilities
The inclement weather will likely cause further ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area through at least Feb. 19. Further traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely to continue 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 additional power lines and trees. Further flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. Additional power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

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 Feb. 19. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

US National Weather Service
US Road Conditions
Federal Aviation Administration
Meteorological Service of Canada