US, Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and central US and far southern Ontario, Canada, through at least Jan. 26

Event

A storm system is forecast to bring snow and ice to portions of the central Plains, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions of the US, as well as far southern Ontario, Canada, through at least Jan. 26. The affected areas include far eastern Colorado, western and northern Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, northern Missouri, far southern Wisconsin, northern and central Illinois, northern and central Indiana, southern and central Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, northeastern West Virginia, northern Virginia, central Maryland, northern Delaware, northern and central New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, western and central Massachusetts, southern and central Vermont, southern New Hampshire, and Washington DC in the US, as well as far southern Ontario in Canada. As of early Jan. 25, heavy snowfall has begun across the central Plains region. Forecast models indicate the system will continue to track eastward, bringing heavy snowfall and ice to the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions through Jan. 26. Some uncertainty remains in the forecasted track of the system, and projected snow amounts are subject to changes over the coming days.

Government Advisories
As of Jan. 25, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for portions of southeastern Nebraska, northern Kansas, southern and central Iowa, far northern Missouri, northern Illinois, south-central Pennsylvania, and far northeastern West Virginia, while winter weather advisories are in effect for far eastern Colorado, western and northern Kansas, central Nebraska, north-central Iowa, far northern Missouri, far southern Wisconsin, central Illinois, northern and central Indiana, far southwestern Michigan, western and northern Ohio, central and northwestern Pennsylvania, far southwestern New York, far northern Virginia, and central Maryland. 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 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) of snow are expected from central Kansas to southern Michigan. Locally higher totals of 50 cm (20 inches) are possible across northern Kansas, northwestern Missouri, southeastern Nebraska, and southern Iowa, where the heaviest snowfall is forecast. Lesser accumulations of 2.5-15 cm (1-6 inches) are expected across the rest of the affected area including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow and the precipitation is less intense. Areas from the Plains to the northern Mid-Atlantic, especially in central Illinois, central Indiana, west-central Ohio, far northeastern West Virginia, far northern Virginia, and south-central Pennsylvania, where temperatures are forecast to be near freezing for some time, could see ice accumulations of between 0.25-0.6 cm (0.1-0.25 inches) of ice are possible. Locally higher totals of 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) are possible in the mountainous regions from south-central Pennsylvania to the Shenandoah Valley in western Virginia. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts are likely to lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Transport
The inclement weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area through at least Jan. 26. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways, including the I-29, I-35, I-70, I-76, I-80, I-81, I-90, and I-95 corridors in the US, as well as the Trans-Canada Highway in Canada. 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. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage. 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. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through at least Jan. 26. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

US National Weather Service
US Road Conditions
Meteorological Service of Canada