25 Jan 2023 | 10:07 AM UTC
US, Canada: Winter storm forecast to bring adverse weather across the central and northeastern US and southern and southeastern Canada through Jan. 27 /update 1
Adverse winter weather forecast across central and northeastern US and southern Canada through Jan. 27. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
A winter storm is forecast to track northeastward from the central US to the northeastern US and into souther and southeastern Canada Jan. 25-27. The storm is expected to move over the Ohio Valley Jan. 25 and into the Great Lakes, southern Canada, and the northeastern US overnight Jan. 25-26, before moving over northern New England and southeastern Canada Jan. 26 into early Jan. 27. The system will produce a large swath of heavy snowfall over the regions it passes, with widespread snowfall accumulations of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) possible across much of the affected area and localized heavier accumualtions. The heavy snowfall will likely be accompanied by strong wind gusts, which could down trees and cause power outages. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads, snowfall accumulations, and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.
Government Advisories
As of early Jan. 25, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings across parts of eastern Oklahoma, western and northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, central and southern Illinois, central Indiana, western Ohio, southeastern Michigan, northern and western new York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Winter weather advisories have been issued across much of the rest of the affected areas of the US.
Environment Canada has issued red snowfall warnings for parts of new Brusnwick, southern Ontario, and southern Quebec, as well as red wind warnings for parts of northeastern and southwestern new Brunswick. Yellow winter storm warnings have been issued for parts of southern Quebec and special weather statements for snowfall, rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding have been issued across much of the rest of the affected areas of Canada.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Snow accumulations are likely across the affected area, especially at higher elevations. Lesser accumulations are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow, and precipitation are less intense. 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. 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 likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.
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.
