Snow, freezing rain forecast to hit US in biggest winter storm in over a decade

Blizzards are predicted in parts of the Midwest. Snowy and icy conditions are predicted in cities, including Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia from Sunday onwards.

By: Express Web Desk

January 5, 2025 06:45 AM IST

3 min read

Resident Todd Brainard cleans snow off of the roof of his home in North Perry, Ohio. (AP Photo)

A major winter storm that has the potential to bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperature in the United States in over a decade began on Saturday in Central US and was forecast to move east in the upcoming days.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a forecast of major winter storm producing heavy snow, significant ice and frigid temperatures has been predicted in the days to come.

According to a BBC report, forecasters have said that the extreme weather conditions are being caused due to the polar vortex, an area around the Arctic where cold air circulates.

Few parts of the US, including Mississippi and Florida which are not accustomed to extreme cold conditions have been issued warnings of a major winter storm.

Steve Beckett with the street department in Owensboro, Ky., sprays a salt brine solution along Hickman Avenue in preparation for predicted snow and ice over the weekend, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in Owensboro, Ky. (AP)

Meteorologist Rich Bann of the NWS’s Weather Prediction Center on Saturday said, “The storm is still taking shape. But this thing has multiple hazards from heavy snows in the Plains to significant icing covering roads farther south,” reported Reuters.

According to meteorologists, until Saturday evening, the heavy snowfall could be seen in areas between central Kansas and Indiana and there are high chances of at least 8 inches (20 centimeters).

A report by the Associated Press quoted meteorologists, who said that places that witness high snowfall could experience the highest snow totals in over a decade. The storm will thereafter move towards the Ohio valley and multiple travel disruptions are expected as the storm reaches the Mid-Atlantic states on Sunday.

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The NWS, in a warning said “Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of motorists becoming stranded.”

Blizzards are also being predicted in parts of the Midwest. Snowy and icy conditions are predicted in cities, including Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia from Sunday onwards.

“This could lead to the coldest January for the U.S. since 2011,” AccuWeather Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said, as per AP.

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