US: Winter storm to bring adverse weather across southern, central, and northeastern regions through at least Feb 25 /update 2

Event

Winter Storm Oaklee is forecast to bring a mixture of snow, ice, and rainfall as it tracks from the southern US through to the northeast Feb. 24-25. The storm will impact parts of the South, Ohio Valley, Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Southeast regions and will likely cause hazardous travel conditions, flight cancelations, and power outages across southern, central, and northeastern parts of the US.

Near the center of the storm's track, an ice storm will extend from central Texas through to New York, bringing freezing rain and ice accumulations, which will lead to slippery roads and possible power outages. To the south of the ice storm, precipitation is expected to be mostly rain, heavy enough to cause water levels to rise and possible flooding across the Tennessee Valley. Precipitation will predominantly fall as snowfall to the north of the storm's center, bringing large accumulations of snow to parts of the Upper Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Northeast regions.

Nearly 1,500 flights across the affected area were canceled Feb. 23. Most of these were from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); more than 1,200 flights have been canceled Feb. 24. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has activated the National Guard to assist with weather-related traffic issues. Schools have been closed in several districts of Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, and Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma will be closed Feb. 24.

Government Advisories
As of Feb. 24, the National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for parts of northeastern Texas, western, central, and southwestern Oklahoma, northern and central Arkansas, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, far northwestern Tennesse, far southwestern Kentucky, central and eastern New York, most of Massachusetts, Vermont, southern and central New Hampshire, and far southwestern Maine. Ice storm warnings have been issued for parts of far northeastern West Virginia, far western Maryland, and southwestern Pennsylvania. Winter storm watches have been issued for parts of northeastern Pennsylvania, central New York, Connecticut, northern New Hampshire, and western Maine. Flood watches and warnings have been issued for parts of northern and western Tennessee, southern, central, and eastern Kentucky, far western Virginia, and much of West Virginia. Winter weather advisories have been issued across most of the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The US National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a "Slight Risk" of excessive rainfall across parts of western Tennessee through early Feb. 24 and across parts of northern Tennessee, southern and eastern Kentucky, far northwestern North Carolina, far southwestern Virginia, western West Virginia, and far southern Ohio Feb. 24 through early Feb. 25.

Authorities have warned that moderate to heavy wintry precipitation is likely across the Southern Plains through the Mid-Mississippi and Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and New England through at least Feb. 25. Freezing rain is forecasted in the Southern Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley Feb. 24, centered over northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, and in the Ohio Valley and Northeast Feb. 25, from central Ohio into Pennsylvania and northwestern Maryland. Heavy snow of more than 10 cm (4 inches) is likely west of Lake Michigan and over Lower Michigan in the Upper Midwest and at least 20 cm (8 inches) over much of eastern New York north of Interstate 84 eastward into central New England along the Interstate 90 corridor.

Hazardous Conditions
The storm could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow) and strong winds. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Precipitation could fall as snow across much of the affected area over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Freezing rain and ice accumulations are likely to create slippery roads and hazardous travel conditions. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. 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. Due to ground stops and deicing operations, flight delays and cancellations are likely to continue at airports across the affected area.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

National Weather Service