More Snow in the Forecast for Central and Eastern U.S. to End the Week

Posted: February 28, 2023 3:58 pm

Forecasters are eyeing another developing storm that is set to bring heavy snow and other impacts to a large portion of the central and eastern U.S. in the coming days. Is your area under the zone of impact? Read on for the details.

The far-reaching storm is forecast to fire up on Thursday, impacting a large area stretching from the southern Plains, through the Midwest, and into New England. You should be prepared for widespread travel disruptions at the hands of this intense weather maker.

Storm Originating from West Coast Pushes Eastward

This system has its origins along the West Coast, forecast to continue its track to the east through the week. In its wake, it will leave snow for the Rocky Mountains and rain across the Southwest. The storm will gain more traction and energy by Wednesday as it churns over the southwestern corner of the country, sending it to the northeast by the end of the week.

An absence of Arctic air will keep snowfall amounts more manageable when compared to some of the other storm systems from this winter season. However, that does not mean that some isolated areas will pick up significant amounts of snow. The temperature may drop low enough for a wet and heavy snow to form in the central portions of the U.S, dropping as far south as Arkansas.

Snow that is wet and heavy in nature is more likely to bring down trees and power lines. Trees that have already started to leaf out will be more likely to sustain damage out of this system.

Forecasters are still uncertain about if the precipitation will fall as snow or rain in the Northeast coastal areas. Snowfall amounts should be limited because of the speed at which the system is predicted to advance. However, some pockets may see 6 to 12 inches of snow under the right conditions.

Factors Influencing Track and Intensity of Storm System

The track of the storm will also influence the amount of snow that it is able to generate. Should the system track farther northward through the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians, the Great Lakes, upstate New York, and the northern half of New England will be under the gun for more significant snowfall. A southerly track of the storm will bring the worst of the snow to the central Appalachians, the mid-Atlantic region, and across the southern tier of New England.

Water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean off the East Coast have been trending well above normal for the last few months. These warmer waters have supported moisture falling as rain more than snow along the coastal areas while pushing the snow much farther inland than is typical for this time of the year.

One factor that may help to supply the necessary ingredients for snow development could be an atmospheric jam near the country of Greenland. While this blocking pattern is typically more common during the winter months, it has been noticeably absent this winter season. The current blocking mechanism will keep colder air entrenched for a longer time period in the Northeast, supporting a greater chance of snow development. However, if this block could lift by the end of the week, you can expect a lesser amount of snow.

Travel Impacts Likely

Upcoming travel may be impacted by this weather system. Air travelers should be prepared for delays as airlines work through deicing operations. The cities most likely to be impacted by these delays include the major hubs of Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Low cloud ceilings could also create significant delays along the East Coast. This is why it is always a good idea to stay abreast of your flight status.

Snow and ice could be an issue at Boston Logan International Airport on Friday. Other cities that may see slight delays at area airports include Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia.

Roads may also be adversely impacted by the snow and ice. Heavy rain could also create slick roads across the Tennessee and Ohio valleys and into the Appalachians and as far as the mid-Atlantic.

It will be the chance of severe weather creating the issues across the southern fringe of the storm system. The south-central U.S. and the Southeast will be in the crosshairs for thunderstorms as the week comes to a close.

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