Arctic Blast Sweeps Across the Eastern United States
The eastern half of the United States is currently facing the latest arctic blast, extending from Minnesota down through northern Florida and up to New England. On December 13, 2024, weather conditions indicated serious winter weather challenges for many regions.
Lake-effect snow resulted in accumulations of up to 3.5 feet in western New York and 20 inches in northern Lower Michigan. Wind gusts have reached nearly 40 mph, especially where snow bands are heaviest, leading to significant whiteout conditions.
A Lake-Effect Snow Warning remains active for Ohio, Pennsylvania, and western New York, with projections of an additional 6 to 12 inches of snow possible in some areas.
Chilly Wind Chills Across the Midwest
Wind chills on Friday morning were reported below zero in Minneapolis, close to zero in Chicago, and only in the teens and single digits above zero in the Northeast. Meanwhile, temperatures in northern Florida and southern Georgia hovered around freezing, warranting a Frost Advisory.
Ice Storm Warnings for Iowa
As the weekend approaches, a new storm system is forecasted to impact the Plains and Midwest with an Ice Storm Warning issued for several counties in Iowa including Benton, Black Hawk, and Jasper. The National Weather Service warned that residents should avoid travel due to significant icing that could create hazardous conditions.
This warning is expected to affect travel significantly, with risky conditions anticipated on roads and bridges.
West Coast Faces Flooding and Heavy Snow Threat
Simultaneously, the West Coast braces for a series of storms bringing substantial snowfall in mountainous areas and inches of rain along the coast. The first storm led to heavy snow in California’s Sierra Nevada, causing chaos on major travel routes. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect, and forecasts predict locally up to 4 feet of snow in the mountains and 5 inches of rain in parts of northern California.
With these weather fluctuations, both the Midwest and the East Coast are urged to remain vigilant and follow advisories from local weather authorities.
