As of early Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather warnings for five states. Certain areas in the U.S. are expected to receive up to eight inches of snow.
Why It Matters
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Snow has the potential to cause disruptions in travel and create hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, winter weather can be a catalyst for power outages.
Freezing temperatures can put vulnerable groups, like infants and senior citizens, at a higher risk of health problems.
What To Know
Winter weather advisories were currently in effect for several states including Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
West Virginia was also under an extreme cold warning.
Northeast Michigan, Northeast Ohio, Northwest Pennsylvania, Central and Northeastern New York, and Northern Vermont all experienced significant impacts.
In certain regions of New York, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts the possibility of up to 8 inches of snow accumulation due to lake effect snow. This phenomenon occurs when cold air passes over the Great Lakes’ open waters.
Madison, Onondaga, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Southern Cayuga, and Southern Oneida Counties were all encompassed in this group.
The service recommends that drivers slow down and exercise caution while traveling. It also advises drivers in certain areas to be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and reduced visibility.
What People Are Saying
Yesterday, NWS Binghamton reported that there is ongoing lake effect snow, which is expected to continue until Wednesday. The expected snowfall totals have remained unchanged. However, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued specifically for Cayuga County.
According to NWS Charleston, WV, they reported yesterday that a clipper system would bring some light snow in the evening. They advised people to expect the snow to rapidly accumulate on untreated roads and sidewalks.
There are Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings in effect for the mountains of West Virginia tonight into Wednesday. We can expect dangerously cold wind chills during this time.
According to the NWS Northeast RFC, there are significant lake effect snow showers that are continuing across parts of western New York until Wednesday. The temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the week, but they are expected to moderate over the weekend. The NWS also mentioned the possibility of an arctic air outbreak next week, which could cause further expansion of river ice.
What Happens Next
As of now, the most recent winter weather advisories are set to remain in effect until 1 a.m. on Thursday.
The extreme cold warning in West Virginia will remain in effect until 1 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
The NWS frequently updates its website with changes to forecasts, so it’s important to stay informed as they can be subject to change.