Two Winter Storms Looming Over the U.S. This Week

A winter landscape showing snow-covered trees and falling snow.

News Summary

This week, two winter storms are approaching the U.S., bringing snow and ice to the Northeast, Midwest, and Plains. The first storm will start Monday night, affecting areas such as Cincinnati and New York City, while the second storm, expected to develop by Tuesday night, could impact locations like Denver and Boston. With the possibility of significant snowfall, ice accumulations, and even flash flooding, travel conditions are set to deteriorate. It’s essential to stay informed and cautious during this busy winter weather period.

Two Winter Storms Looming Over the U.S. This Week!

Get ready, folks! The start of a new week means two more winter storms are on their way to spread some snow and ice across the Northeast, Midwest, and Plains. As if last week’s wintry weather wasn’t enough, we’re in for another round!

Storm One: Making Its Move

First up, the first storm will kick things off on Monday night, rolling into the Plains and then making its way to the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic states, and parts of southern New England by Tuesday. Cities like Cincinnati, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City are bracing for some wintery conditions.

Now, the northern edge of this storm has a bit of uncertainty hanging over it—places like Kansas, northern Oklahoma, and Missouri could see little to no precipitation or even just rain. But for those areas that do get hit, there is a possibility of up to three inches of snow, although many of them may escape relatively unscathed.

Heavy Snow in the Mid-Atlantic

As we swing toward the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic, heavier snow is likely. Some communities in the Virginias could be looking at more than five inches! Plus, light ice could form in spots stretching from the Ozarks to Kentucky and across parts of Virginia and northwest North Carolina, adding to the travel challenges. Stay safe out there!

Storm Two: A More Intense Arrival

Just when you think it’s over, the second storm is expected to develop by Tuesday night along the Front Range of the Rockies. Here’s where things get interesting—it’s projected to hit the central Plains by Wednesday and sweep through the Midwest and mid-Atlantic by that evening, making its way to the eastern Great Lakes and Northeast by Thursday.

This second storm might take a track further north compared to the first, which can mean different things for different cities. Notable locations like Denver, Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, and Boston could see significant snowfall, with totals still uncertain but likely including heavy accumulations especially in the Northeast.

The Ice Factor & Flash Flooding Risk

On the southern edge of this system, just like the first, some areas will have to keep an eye out for light ice accumulations stretching from Oklahoma to the Ohio Valley, over the Appalachians, and down to parts of southern New England. And let’s not forget about the potential for rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the South, which could result in local flash flooding—especially in hilly and mountainous areas that are already waterlogged from previous storms!

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

But that’s not the end of it! A strong Pacific storm is geared up and ready to move into California and surge into the Mountain West later in the week. This could set the stage for yet another significant winter storm in the Plains and Upper Midwest this weekend, keeping this active winter weather pattern rolling on.

Your Winter Weather Reminder

Now, as we gear up for this series of storms, it’s important to remember that January and February are typically busy months for winter weather. The presence of cold air and the jet stream allows these systems to develop and keep us on our toes!

With all this snowy and icy weather on the horizon, be cautious out there! Travel conditions could become hazardous, and visibility may drop significantly in many regions. So if you need to head out, make sure to check the latest forecasts and stay safe!