KANSAS CITY, Mo. – 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.
A look at the weekend winter storm overview.
(FOX Weather)
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.
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.
Snow arrives in the forecast in several Midwest cities by Sunday.
(FOX Weather)
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon for portions of central and south-central Kansas, with the potential for a mix of freezing drizzle, freezing rain, sleet and snow.
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.
(FOX Weather)
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.
HOW MUCH ICE IS NEEDED TO KNOCK OUT POWER, DAMAGE TREES?
This graphic shows the snow potential in the East through Monday.
(FOX Weather)
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.
(FOX Weather)
On Sunday night, the rest of the Ohio Valley, mid-South, central Appalachians and possibly the mid-Atlantic will be affected.
A look at the forecast in East on Monday.
(FOX Weather)
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.
