A significant winter storm is expected to impact over 1,300 miles of the United States this weekend and into next week, bringing snow, ice, rain, and severe thunderstorms. Beginning Saturday afternoon in the Central Plains, the storm will move eastward, affecting areas from the Mississippi Valley to the East Coast.
The National Weather Service predicts snow and ice will affect much of the country, particularly from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic. Heavy snow is anticipated, with some areas, such as Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio, receiving up to 12 inches. Parts of the Central Appalachians and southern and central Ohio will also see significant snowfall.
In addition to snow, severe thunderstorms are expected in warmer regions like the South, bringing damaging winds, hail, and even a risk of tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 2 severe weather warning for areas including Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, where heavy rain may cause flooding.
Icing is a major concern in areas south of the snow bands, particularly from Kansas to the Appalachians. Ice accumulations of over a quarter-inch are possible in states like Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, leading to travel disruptions and potential power outages. Even light ice may create dangerous driving conditions, while heavier ice could cause fallen power lines and tree branches.
By Tuesday, the storm will move off the East Coast, but its cold air will linger, with temperatures dropping as much as 30 degrees below normal in the eastern US. This extreme cold will continue into mid-January, extending the winter challenges across the region.
