15 Feb 2021 | 02:57 PM UTC
US, Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and southern US and southeastern Canada through at least Feb. 16 /update 1
System to bring rounds of heavy snowfall, ice, and strong winds to portions of the eastern and southern US and Canada through Feb. 16.
Event
A storm system is forecast to continue to bring additional snow and ice to portions of the southern Plains, Southeast, Tennessee Valley, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions, US, and southeastern Canada through at least Feb. 16. The affected areas include central, eastern, and southern Texas, central and eastern Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, far southeastern Iowa, far southeastern Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, northwestern Georgia, Kentucky, southern and central Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, western Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Washington DC, US, and southeastern Ontario, far southern Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Some uncertainty remains in the forecast track of the system, and projected snow amounts are subject to change over the coming days.
As of Feb. 15, over two million people are without power across Texas. Additionally, tens of thousands are without power across portions of Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. As of Feb. 15, several airports are also closed, including the Jackson International Airport (JAN) until at least 1700 CST and both airports in Houston, Texas (IAH, HOU) until 1300 CST and 1400 CST, respectively.
Government Advisories
As of Feb. 15, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for central, eastern, and southern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, northwestern Alabama, southern Missouri, far southeastern Kansas, central and western Tennessee, southern and eastern Illinois, Indiana, far southern Michigan, central and western Kentucky, Ohio, western and northern Pennsylvania, western and northern New York, northern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and western and northern Maine. Winter weather advisories are in effect for far northeastern Illinois, southern Michigan, far western Virginia, eastern West Virginia, eastern and central Pennsylvania, western Maryland, central and northern New Jersey, southeastern New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, southern Vermont, southern New Hampshire, eastern Maine, and Washington DC. Additionally, ice storm warnings are in effect for northwestern Alabama, eastern Kentucky, far southeastern Ohio, western West Virginia, far eastern Pennsylvania, and northern New Jersey. Authorities with Environment Canada have issued heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and winter storm warnings across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, southeastern Ontario, and far southern Quebec. 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) are likely from the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes to northern New England. Areas including portions of far eastern Texas northeastward to southern New England, where temperatures are forecast to be near freezing for some time, could see ice accumulations of at least 0.25 cm (0.1 inches). Locally higher totals of 0.6-1.2 cm (0.25-0.5 inches) of ice accumulation are possible across the lower Mississippi Valley and Mid-South regions. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts are likely to lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible.
Transport and Utilities
The inclement weather will likely cause further ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area through at least Feb. 16. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. 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. Additional power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
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. 16. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
