Winter Storm Warning Issued in 13 States With 15 Inches of Additional Snow
On Thursday, Dec. 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) continued issuing winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories across the U.S., so if you think your round of cold and snow is over, take another look at what's ahead.
As for Thursday morning, the NWS announced fresh winter storm warnings and weather advisories for areas of the Northern Plains, Midwest and Northeast.
Throughout the week, schools in multiple states have been forced to close due to the hazardous weather. The storm system is also impacting areas of the country that don't often get a lot of snow, making it more difficult to manage.
Which States Are Under New Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories
The new alerts issued by the NWS on Thursday, Dec. 11, cover areas of the Northern Plains and Midwest, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. The northern areas of Michigan are also under a winter weather advisory, and advisories are also out for areas of Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont.
As for which areas are expected to get 15 inches of snow, that's the Upper Midwest, mainly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, northern parts of the Northeast and the Appalachian region.
Even areas that aren't getting fresh snow on Thursday and Friday are experiencing difficult driving conditions due to the bitter cold freezing any moisture on the ground.
On top of the snow, areas of the Upper Midwest and Northern Michigan are expected to see actual low temperatures down to -20°F to -26°F by the weekend and wind chills hovering around -20°F in other areas.
The cold may also impact flights, with ice being so severe in areas of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana and Michigan's Upper Peninsula that it will have an effect on an airplane's ability to fly. The ice may lead to delayed or canceled flights, so plan accordingly.
Cold Weather Safety
Ice and snow are hazardous, but the bitter cold can also cause safety issues. So, even those not getting hit with a lot of snow but experiencing cold temperatures should take precautions.
According to a bulletin from the NWS, when the temperatures get low, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight and warm clothing. Wear a hat, and try to stay dry and out of the wind. When outside, make sure to cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Also, note that mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
Entergy has advice on what to do in the case of a power outage, which can happen due to heavy snow or especially ice. "If your power goes out, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible," they note. "Candles can lead to house fires."
They also say not to turn on the stove for heat. Instead, try using extra blankets, sleeping bags or warm winter clothing; a fireplace that is up to code with dry firewood; a gas log fireplace; or portable space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements, used, of course, according to instructions."