16 Feb 2023 | 09:39 AM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across central regions through at least Feb. 17 /update 2
Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of the central US through at least Feb. 17. Hazardous travel conditions are likely.
Event
A winter storm system is forecast to bring adverse weather across parts of the central and east-central US through at least Feb. 17. The center of this system is forecast to track rapidly northeastward from the central US across the mid-Mississippi Valley Feb. 16, reaching the lower Great Lakes by late Feb. 16. The system is expected to generate a swath of snow to the north of the track from the central plains to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Snowfall accumulations of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are expected across much of the affected area. Sleet and freezing rain are forecast in a narrow corridor from northern Missouri through northern Illinois to southeastern lower Michigan. Hazardous driving conditions are likely across the affected areas due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Around 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled at Denver International Airport (DEN) Feb. 15 due to the storm system and further disruptions to flights are likely across airports in the affected area Feb. 16-17.
Government Advisories
As of early Feb. 16, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings across parts of eastern Colorado, southern Nebraska, central and northern Kansas, eastern and southern Iowa, northern Missouri, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. Winter weather advisories have been issued across much of the rest of the affected area. 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 possible 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.
