More Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 12 States as 5 Inches of Snow, 60 mph Winds Approach
On Friday, Feb. 6, the National Weather Service announced new winter storm warmings expected to bring more snow and strong winds to multiple U.S. states.
A "clipper system" is in line "to bring snow, high winds, and dangerously cold temperatures to the Great Lakes east through the Northeast and Appalachians into the weekend," the NWS said, adding that "most accumulations will generally be in the 1-3 inch range, but some locally heavier amounts are expected downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario as well as through the central and southern Appalachians. The snow will continue into coastal New England on Saturday, with some moderate amounts as high as 4-5 inches possible. Very strong winds will accompany the system passage, with gusts as high as 60 mph expected, especially through the Mid-Atlantic."
12 States Facing New Snow and Cold
Research from the National Weather Service indicates that states in line for additional snow and cold include areas of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Kentucky and West Virginia. The winter weather may impact other nearby areas, too, especially in the central and southern Appalachians. Weather experts state that most new snow accumulations will be one to three inches, but some areas are looking at an upwards of five inches.
Looking at wind, through Saturday, Feb. 7, weather researches say that wind gusts as high as 60 mph are possible, especially in the Mid-Atlantic. Areas of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Northeast and New England are also in line for strong wind gusts going into the weekend.
"While snow amounts may remain light for many locations, the gusty winds accompanying the cold front passage may lead to some snow squalls bringing quick bursts of intense, blowing snow and suddenly dangerous driving conditions," the NWS said.
Meanwhile, the Northeast and New England are in line for the coldest weather of the season. "The combination of frigid temperatures and strong winds will bring dangerously cold wind chills as low as -30 to portions of the Interior Northeast and New England and as low as the negative single digits and teens closer to the coast Saturday morning through Sunday morning," the NWS reports. They add to stay inside, when possible, because "these wind chills will pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin."
Weather Experts Expect Warmer Weather Soon
It's been a long and cold winter throughout the U.S., but the good news is that a return to normal is on the way. The Climate Prediction Center's three month forecast, running from February through April, indicates that the southern half of the U.S. is in line for above average temperatures through April.
The Climate Prediction Center's long-range map also shows normal temperatures for the upper half of the U.S., and only a small section of below normal temperatures for the most upper, central parts of the country. The Center's eight to 14 day forecast, running Feb. 11 through 17, also says to expect above normal temperatures throughout the majority of the U.S.
So, don't let the winter blues get you too down. Warmer weather is on the way, and the first day of spring for the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox, is set for March 20 at 10:46 a.m. ET.