10 Mar 2022 | 02:25 PM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across central and northeastern regions through at least March 13 /update 5
Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of central and northeastern US through at least March 13. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of the Central, Northeast, Southwest, and Lower Midwest regions of the US through at least March 13. The adverse weather is associated with an arctic cold front moving south through the central US March 10-11 before becoming a major storm in the northeast from March 12. Heavy snowfall is expected across the central plains to the middle Mississippi Valley March 10-11 and a mixture of wintry precipitation and strong winds will impact northeastern regions March 11-12. Cold air drawn in behind the weather front will lead to a significant drop in temperatures across much of the central and eastern US.
Government Advisories
As of March 10, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for parts of northern New Mexico, southern and eastern Colorado, southwestern Nebraska, northern and central Kansas, and western Missouri. Winter storm watches have been issued for parts of northeastern and central Kentucky, southern Ohio, eastern West Virginia, western and northern Pennsylvania, central and northern New York, Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and northern Maine. Winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of northeastern Arizona, northern and central New Mexico, southern and eastern Colorado, northern Texas, Oklahoma, southern and central Kansas, southern Nebraska, northwestern Arkansas, Missouri, southern Iowa, and western Illinois.
NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a "High Risk" of heavy snowfall, especially at higher altitudes, for parts of the southern Rockies and central plains March 10-11 and for the Ohio Valley to the Northeast March 11-13. Snowfall accumulations of around 10 cm (4 inches) are likely in elevated areas in the central US and around 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in the central plains from eastern Kansas to western Missouri March 10-11. Accumulations of around 10 cm (4 inches) are possible for much of central and eastern Kentucky, northeast through eastern Ohio, and western West Virginia towards western New York March 11-12. Accumulations of over 25 cm (10 inches) are possible in elevated areas of upstate New York and northern New England by March 12-13.
Hazardous Conditions
In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts will likely lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow in some areas. Blizzard conditions are possible. Lesser snow accumulations are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow, and precipitation is less intense. Sporadic power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Flight delays and cancellations are possible due to ground stops and de-icing operations at airports in the affected areas.
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. If routing shipments by truck through the affected area, plan accordingly for delivery delays. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
