A winter storm is expected to bring sleet and freezing rain to parts of the Midwest and Northeast this Wednesday and Thursday. Although it’s still early to know exactly which areas will experience the worst of the ice, the Forecast Center is keeping an eye on the situation.
Two possible scenarios are being considered for the storm’s development. In the first scenario, a strong low-pressure system forms over the Plains and moves east. It then interacts with a strong jet stream that brings warm, moist air, which could result in more freezing rain along the Interstate 90 corridor through the Midwest and Northeast. In the second scenario, a weaker low-pressure system forms over the Plains, and a stronger coastal storm develops along the East Coast. This would bring less freezing rain to the Midwest but could cause more ice in New England.
Cities such as Des Moines, Iowa, and Syracuse, New York, are being advised to stay alert for ice, which could create dangerous travel conditions. Freezing rain on bridges, overpasses, and ramps could be a major issue, especially by Thursday morning, according to FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime.
In addition to ice, subfreezing temperatures are expected to spread into the northern half of the United States with this storm. As we get closer to Wednesday, weather models will give a clearer idea of which areas are most likely to experience the worst conditions and how much ice to expect.
Drivers in affected areas should be extra cautious, as icy roads could make travel hazardous. The storm’s potential impact on travel will continue to be monitored, and more specific information on which cities will see the worst of the ice will be available soon. Stay tuned to weather updates for more details on how the storm is developing.
