A major winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Blair by The Weather Channel, is set to unleash heavy snow, significant ice accumulation, and frigid Arctic air across large portions of the U.S. this weekend. Dangerous travel conditions and widespread power outages are expected, as millions brace for what could be the coldest air in years.
What to know:
Stay with Newsweek for live updates, safety tips, and expert insights as this storm continues to unfold.
10:05 AM EST
Winter storm to bring heavy snow and ice to plains, mid-Atlantic
A major winter storm is set to impact the Central Plains, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic this week, with significant snowfall and ice accumulations. The storm is expected to bring at least 6 inches of snow to areas in northeast Kansas, Missouri, central Illinois, southern Indiana, Ohio, and possibly northern Kentucky. In some regions, persistent snow bands could lead to totals exceeding a foot.
In the mid-Atlantic, moderate snowfall is expected, with areas like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., receiving up to 6 inches of snow. However, a mix of sleet may reduce snow totals in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas. Philadelphia could also see a few inches of accumulation.
Ice in the form of sleet and freezing rain is anticipated to create hazardous conditions, especially in the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. Travel disruptions are likely, and some areas could experience tree damage and scattered power outages due to ice accumulation.
09:55 AM EST
Winter storm snow map shows cities set to be hit hardest
A forecast map from the National Weather Service. Cities in more than a dozen states were at high risk of winter impacts from a winter storm over the weekend.
A forecast map from the National Weather Service. Cities in more than a dozen states were at high risk of winter impacts from a winter storm over the weekend.
National Weather Service
Winter Storm Blair is set to bring heavy snow and dangerous ice to parts of the U.S. this week, with cities in more than a dozen states under warnings or advisories from the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to impact the Central Plains and mid-Atlantic, where travel disruptions are likely as many Americans continue their post-holiday travel.
The storm will bring up to 6 inches of snow in some areas, including Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio, with sleet and freezing rain predicted to cause additional hazards. Vulnerable populations, including infants and seniors, face increased health risks due to the extreme cold and icy conditions. Major cities such as Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. are expected to experience wintry weather, which could result in delays or closures, according to The Weather Channel.
Meteorologists have cautioned that travel may be difficult this weekend, advising people to either travel early or delay their trips until Tuesday. The storm, which will last from January 4 to 6, is expected to cause widespread travel disruptions, and the NWS will continue to update its forecasts as conditions evolve.
09:44 AM EST
Winter storm Blair to impact central and eastern U.S.: Sunday
Snowfall, potentially heavy in some areas, will extend from Kansas to West Virginia during the day, with gusty winds creating low visibility on Sunday. Just south of the heaviest snow, a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow is expected to cause difficult conditions across the Ohio Valley, northeast Oklahoma, and parts of the Appalachians, The Weather Channel reported. Major cities including Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville are expected to experience treacherous travel conditions.
By Sunday night, the storm will reach the mid-Atlantic, impacting Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., making travel increasingly hazardous across the eastern U.S.
Residents in affected areas are advised to avoid travel and keep an eye on weather updates as the storm develops.
09:33 AM EST
Winter storm Blair to impact central and eastern U.S.: Saturday evening
Winter storm Blair, according to The Weather Channel, is set to bring snow, ice, and dangerous travel conditions across a large portion of the U.S. this weekend, with the worst conditions expected from Saturday through Sunday night.
Snow will begin in the northern and central Rockies, spreading eastward into the Plains by Saturday evening. Cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita, Kansas, will face increasingly hazardous travel conditions, especially later in the day and overnight as wintry weather extends into the mid-Mississippi Valley.
09:27 AM EST
Polar vortex could make January one of coldest in years
Stock image. Here’s what experts advice for a snowstorm.
Stock image. Here’s what experts advice for a snowstorm.
Photo by Tainar / Getty Images
A polar vortex could bring the coldest January the U.S. has faced in years.
National Weather Service experts told Newsweek that Americans can expect a colder-than-average start to the new year.
So far, this winter has seen one of the warmest Decembers on record in much of the northern United States. Though many residents experienced snow around the holidays, snow coverage was still at or near 20-year lows.
However, the polar vortex could bring severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, that could affect travel conditions or prompt school closures.
Read the full story by Monica Sager on Newsweek.
Polar Vortex Live Updates: Winter Storm Blair to Impact 40 States
