Winter Storms Forecasted to Impact Eastern US for Weeks Ahead
The eastern US is facing consecutive winter storms for the coming weeks, driven by a stable jet stream. The first storm will unleash hazardous ice and wintry precipitation from Missouri to Maine. This series of storms may disrupt power and travel, with additional storm systems predicted shortly after the first one.
Winter storms are poised to impact the eastern half of the United States for the next couple of weeks, driven by a stable jet stream aligned from west to east. This will allow multiple storms to progress across the northern areas of the Lower 48 states. Initial storm formation is expected Wednesday afternoon over the central Mississippi Valley, impacting regions from Missouri to Maine with significant wintry precipitation.
The initial storm will peak overnight Wednesday, delivering a hazardous mix of sleet, freezing rain, snow, and rain primarily affecting the Midwest and parts of the Northeast through Thursday. A significant threat from this storm is the possibility of ice accumulation impacting power lines and road safety due to the interaction of cold and unusually warm air.
Regions from Missouri to southern New England are predicted to experience a hazardous glaze of ice, while northern Indiana, Ohio, and Central Pennsylvania should brace for higher ice accumulation, potentially exceeding 0.25 inches. These conditions could lead to power outages and dangerous travel, as these accumulations can weigh heavily on trees and power lines.
While this storm may not produce extensive snow, it will create a complex mixture of precipitation types, with sleet and freezing rain expected in major cities like Chicago and Cleveland. Temperatures are forecasted to rise slightly on Thursday, aiding some melting, but frigid air is set to return quickly, paving the way for new storm systems.
The next storm is anticipated to form in the Plains late Friday, moving into the Midwest and Northeast by Saturday, with similar disruptive precipitation patterns expected. Forecast models point to more storms next week, suggesting an ongoing active pattern across the eastern US into mid-February.
The article discusses the impact of consecutive winter storms on the eastern United States, driven by a powerful and stable jet stream. It outlines the expected timeline, severity, and types of precipitation associated with these storms, emphasizing the potential for ice accumulation and disruptions. Understanding the atmospheric conditions that produce these storms is crucial for preparedness and safety, making the details of storm patterns and their impacts essential knowledge.
In summary, the eastern United States will experience multiple winter storms over the next few weeks due to a persistent jet stream pattern. The first storm is set to deliver problematic wintry conditions, particularly ice, which poses risks for power outages and travel disruptions. With additional storms on the horizon, maintaining awareness of changing weather conditions will be vital for safety.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
