Winter Storm Watches issued ahead heavy snow, hazardous ice ...
Winter weather alerts stretch from Kansas to the Ohio Valley, ahead of significant impacts that are expected to begin over the weekend. Some cities could be in store for a foot of snow, while ice will be a major concern for others.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Winter Storm Watches now cover over 11 million as a potent winter storm is expected to bring a significant swath of wintry weather across the central and eastern U.S. this weekend and into early next week.
The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said while confidence in the storm is increasing, there remains uncertainty in its timing and track as it moves east.
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Impacts are set to begin Friday in the northern Plains, followed by the central Plains, Ohio and Tennessee valleys and mid-Atlantic states, with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain expected in various locations.
Winter Storm Watches have been issued for communities in seven states, with the likelihood that the alerts will be upgraded to warnings when the event gets closer in time.
In Kansas, the NWS said snow and sleet accumulations greater than 4 inches are possible, with ice accretions greater than one-tenth of an inch likely. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow, along with near-blizzard conditions at times.
The heaviest snow is likely to fall across the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley, particularly north of Interstate 70, the WPC said. Snowfall amounts could reach significant levels, potentially disrupting travel and causing power outages.
A significant ice storm is also possible across the mid-South, from southern Kansas and the Ozarks eastward to the Tennessee Valley. Sleet and freezing rain could accumulate on trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages and treacherous travel conditions.
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What is the timing of the winter storm?
The FOX Forecast Center said things would become very interesting starting Sunday as the storm ejects into the Plains. On Sunday, the central Plains and lower Ohio Valley will see a mix of snow and ice.
On Sunday night, the rest of the Ohio Valley, mid-South, central Appalachians and possibly the mid-Atlantic will be affected.
The storm is expected to weaken Monday upon crossing the Appalachians, though wintry weather is still likely across the mid-Atlantic and perhaps as far south as the Carolinas, the FOX Forecast Center said.