11 Mar 2022 | 01:11 PM UTC
US: Winter storm to impact central and northeastern regions through at least March 13 /update 6
Winter storm to impact much of central and northeastern US through at least March 13. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
A winter storm is forecast to bring adverse weather across large parts of the central and northeastern US through at least March 13. The winter storm will bring snowfall, strong winds, and other forms of wintry precipitation from the southern plains through to the Northeast 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 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for parts of northeastern Mississippi, northern Alabama, central and eastern Tennessee, far western North Carolina, western Kentucky, eastern Virginia, western and central West Virginia, southern Ohio, central and northern Pennsylvania, western, central, and northeastern New York, northwestern Massachusetts, and Vermont. Winter storm watches have been issued for parts of southern Pennsylvania, eastern New York, northern New Hampshire, and northern Maine. Freeze warnings have been issued for eastern Louisiana, central Mississippi, far southeastern Arkansas, and central Georgia. Winter weather advisories have been issued across much of the rest of the affected area.
NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a "High Risk" of heavy snowfall from the Mid-Mississippi Valley through the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast March 11-13. Snowfall accumulations of over 10 cm (4 inches) are possible from eastern Tennessee through western Maryland and into the Northeast, with more than 20 cm (8 inches) possible upstate New York and northern New England.
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.
