Millions in path of blizzard as Midwest braces for dangerous winter storm
Winter weather alerts, including Blizzard Warnings, are in effect from the Plains to the Midwest ahead of another major winter storm, which could blast cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee with heavy snow and strong winds.
This latest round of winter weather comes days after a deadly winter storm slammed the central U.S. and brought nearly a foot of snow and whiteout conditions to parts of the Plains.
Major cities in the Midwest were able to escape the wrath of that storm but won’t be as fortunate this time around.
According to the FAA, there is a ground stop at Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to ongoing snow, with no arrival runways available at ORD. Thundersnow was also reported around downtown Chicago on Friday morning.
The National Weather Service Office in Hastings, Nebraska, measured 3.2 inches of new snow outside their office around midnight, but the wind has resulted in a 3-foot drift by their back door.
The combination of the snow and winds will create dangerous conditions that will make road travel nearly impossible north of Interstate 80.
Significant flight delays and cancelations are anticipated at airports such as Quad City International Airport (MLI), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB).
The FOX Forecast Center says an increasingly sharp pressure gradient will develop between the strengthening winter storm and a building area of arctic air, leading to strong winds and the possibility of blizzard conditions.
“We’re going to see winds here cranking to 45 to 50 mph, along with heavily falling snow,” said Van Dillen.
Blizzard Warnings, winter weather alerts in effect
The National Weather Service has placed millions of Americans from the Plains to the Midwest and Great Lakes region under winter weather alerts as the storm picks up steam and takes aim at the region.
Blizzard Warnings are already in effect across seven states, including most counties across Iowa.
Within the Blizzard Warning zone, life-threatening conditions are expected with wind gusts to 45 mph and visibilities to less than a quarter mile.
Conditions are expected to start deteriorating on Friday morning with the worst of the weather on Friday afternoon for communities west of the Mississippi River.
So far, major cities along the Great Lakes are not included in the Blizzard Warning, but if the alerts are needed, some locales could be staring down an event that hasn’t happened in years.
The city of Milwaukee has not been under a Blizzard Warning in nearly 13 years (Feb. 1, 2011) and in the city of Chicago, it would be the first time in about five years (Nov. 26, 2018).
How much snow will fall in Chicago, Milwaukee?
Heavy snow is likely across the region, and the highest totals are forecast north and east of Chicago.
Snowfall totals between 5 and 8 inches are forecast for cities like Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa.
Those who live and work farther north should prepare for higher totals.
Many cities in Wisconsin could see snowfall totals higher than a foot, and some could approach nearly 2 feet of snow.
Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Sturgeon Bay could see snowfall totals between 12 and 18 inches, with locally higher amounts.
The state’s capital city of Madison could see lower amounts of between 8 and 12 inches of snow.
Temperatures plunge after the storm
As if the snow won’t make conditions miserable enough, millions of Americans will need to brace for a bitter blast of frigid air that moves in from Canada.
“And this is the storm that really unlocks the arctic cold that comes in behind it,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar said. “So, get ready for this flash freeze that’s going to happen in the weekend.”
