Overview of the Upcoming Winter Storm
A new winter storm is forecasted to sweep through the United States midweek, bringing with it challenges for states across the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions. AccuWeather has highlighted the potential for significant travel disruptions as the storm approaches.
What to Expect
As indicated in a media advisory from AccuWeather, snowfall amounts from this storm are expected to be less than those from previous storms earlier in the season.
- The system is predicted to move into western Tennessee on Tuesday, making its way eastward to the Virginia coast by Wednesday.
- Despite the lower snowfall projections, persistent cold temperatures will mean even modest accumulations can lead to hazardous travel conditions.
“While snowfall amounts are expected to be lower than recent storms, lingering cold will allow even modest snow and refreezing to disrupt travel and operations,” the AccuWeather advisory states.
Forecast Details
A forecast map released by AccuWeather reveals that snow showers are likely to impact regions from southern Illinois and western Kentucky, stretching east through Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Areas most at risk for heavier snowfall include:
- Southern Indiana
- Southern Ohio
- Kentucky
- West Virginia
In the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas, up to an inch of snow could accumulate late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, further complicating an already challenging traffic situation.
“Cities like Washington, D.C., or Baltimore could see upwards of an inch late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, and even a stripe of snow that tries to make it to the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys.
Weather Interaction and Implications
On the broader front, Weather Prediction Center meteorologist David Roth pointed out that lingering ice and snow across many parts of the country, specifically those freshly impacted by winter weather, will intersect with the incoming storm's pattern.
In addition, a “stronger clipper” is expected to traverse the Great Lakes and Northeast later in the week, potentially introducing an additional 1-3 inches of snow in those regions. Meteorologists warn that more details will continue to evolve as the event approaches.
Context of Recent Weather Trends
This storm follows closely on the heels of a bomb cyclone that recently affected multiple states and resulted in over a foot of snow in North Carolina, emphasizing the volatility of current weather patterns.
A bomb cyclone, often referred to as bombogenesis, occurs when a cyclone rapidly strengthens in a span of 24 hours, typically from the collision of cold and warm air, such as that found over warm ocean waters.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Note
The upcoming winter storm serves as a reminder of winter's unpredictable nature and the need for preparedness, especially as travel plans may be impacted across several regions. As always, I encourage readers to stay updated with local forecasts and practice caution on the roads.
Source reference: https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-storm-snow-bomb-cyclone-11453321
