UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across the Midwest and Northeast, placing over 125 million Americans on high alert for severe weather. This storm, centered over the Great Lakes, is unleashing dangerous winds, snow, and ice, impacting travel and safety for millions today.
As of Monday morning, wind advisories stretch from Vermont to Texas, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph in many areas. Cleveland, Ohio, is facing high wind warnings, with gusts predicted to hit a staggering 60 mph. This intense wind is expected to cause downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions.
Blizzard warnings are in effect for more than 2 million Americans across parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Reports indicate that Marquette, Michigan, has already received over a foot of snow, contributing to life-threatening whiteout conditions.
As snow continues to fall, Minneapolis is under a winter storm warning until 9 a.m. CT, with predictions of an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow and winds gusting up to 40 mph. This combination is significantly reducing visibility, making travel nearly impossible.
In northeast New York and much of Vermont, an ice storm warning has been issued. Significant icing is already taking place, with accumulations expected to reach 4 to 7 tenths of an inch. This hazardous weather is likely to bring down trees and power lines, further complicating the situation for residents.
By noon on Monday, snow will shift from Wisconsin into Michigan, Ohio, and parts of western Pennsylvania and western New York. Rain is set to taper off from Baltimore to New York City, but precipitation will persist in Boston and extend into Maine.
By 6 p.m. ET, rain in Boston is expected to end, but the storm will continue to impact areas further north. Lake effect snow will begin affecting regions in Nebraska and parts of Ohio, northeast Pennsylvania, and upstate New York, with forecasts suggesting that places like Orchard Park, New York, could accumulate an alarming 1 to 3 feet of snow this week.
Looking ahead, the winter weather will persist, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the week. As the storm system continues its eastward trajectory, officials urge residents to prepare for ongoing hazardous conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates as this storm develops, and take necessary precautions if you are in the affected areas. This is a situation that demands immediate attention and action.
