A significant winter storm is on the horizon, poised to affect the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. This weather event is expected to bring heavy snowfall and challenging conditions. Here's what you need to know to stay prepared.
Winter Storm Overview
A winter storm system will rapidly intensify over the Midwest on Sunday and track through the Great Lakes on Monday. Periods of heavy snow are anticipated across the Upper Great Lakes late Sunday and continuing into Monday.
The National Weather Service forecasts a complex winter storm system that will bring widespread precipitation to the region. Wind chills are also expected to drop into single digits, with some areas near the Poconos experiencing below-zero temperatures.
Probabilistic Snowfall Forecasts
To better communicate forecast uncertainties during winter weather events, the National Weather Service (NWS) provides experimental probabilistic snowfall products. These resources are designed to give customers and partners a range of snowfall possibilities, complementing existing NWS deterministic snowfall graphics. For more information, consult the Product/Service Description Document.
These experimental probabilistic snowfall products aim to give a range of snowfall possibilities.
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Understanding the Maps:
- Point Map: The official NWS snowfall forecast in inches during the specified time period.
- Range Map: The 25th percentile (lower number) to 75th percentile (higher number) of possible snowfall amounts, based on the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) Super Ensemble output during the graphic's time period.
Ice Accumulation Forecasts
In addition to snowfall, ice accumulation is another critical factor to consider during winter storms.
Understanding the Maps:
- Point Map: The official NWS ice accumulation forecast in inches during the time period shown on the graphic.
- Range Map: The 25th percentile (lower number) to 75th percentile (higher number) of possible ice accumulation amounts based on the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) Super Ensemble output during the time period of the graphic.
This is the elevated flat surface ice accumulation. It is not radial/line ice. Radial/line ice is typically 39% of the elevated flat surface ice.
Potential Impacts
The combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and frigid wind chills can lead to challenging travel conditions across the affected regions.
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Lehigh Valley weather: Cold front brings frigid wind chills, potential snow and squalls. National Weather Service warns of challenging travel conditions with strong wind gusts.
Consider the following:
- Travel Delays: Expect potential delays and disruptions to transportation due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
- Power Outages: Ice accumulation can weigh down power lines, increasing the risk of outages.
- Dangerous Wind Chills: Exposure to single-digit or below-zero wind chills can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
Winter Storm Home Safety Tips
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