US, Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast across central US and eastern Canada through Feb. 6

Event

A storm system is forecast to bring snow and ice to portions of the Midwest region of the US, as well as portions of Ontario, Canada, through at least Feb. 6. The affected area includes eastern Nebraska, far southeastern South Dakota, Iowa, southern and eastern Minnesota, northern Illinois, far northern Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, US, and Ontario in Canada.

Heavy snowfall is forecast to continue across the Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions through at least Feb. 6. Forecast models indicate the system has brought several inches of heavy snowfall across the affected areas.

Government Advisories
As of Feb. 4, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for central Iowa. Additionally, winter storm warnings are in effect for east-central Iowa, northwestern Illinois, northeastern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Winter storm advisories have been issued for the remainder of the affected area, including eastern Nebraska, far southeastern South Dakota, Iowa, northeastern Illinois, southern Minnesota, far northern Indiana, western and southern Wisconsin, and Michigan. Additionally, Environment Canada has issued warnings for heavy snowfall for portions of central Ontario. 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 widespread accumulations of 3-15 cm (1-6 inches) are expected from across the affected area. Locally higher totals of 15-45 cm (6-18 inches) are possible in northern Wisconsin, far northern Michigan, US, and central Ontario, Canada, where the heaviest and most persistent snowfall is forecast. Lesser accumulations are possible, where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow and the precipitation are less intense. 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 possible throughout the affected area.

Transport
The inclement weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area through at least Feb. 6. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways, including the I-80, I-90, and I-94 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 Feb. 6. 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