Due to the effects of a “bomb cyclone,” parts of the United States are experiencing a period of cold waves and snow toward the end of the year.
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Blizzard conditions, a “bomb cyclone” and an influx of freezing arctic air could disrupt post-holiday travel and create potentially dangerous conditions across the country, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, into the early part of the week.
Heavy snow and strong winds are expected to cause near-zero visibility and whiteout conditions across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region from Sunday into Monday. Up to two feet of snow could accumulate in some areas, and power outages are possible.
Meanwhile, freezing rain threatens to freeze roads across New England on Sunday. And strong thunderstorms will develop in the south, bringing another cold wave to the start of the new year. Forecasters expect dry and mild weather to continue over the next few days in areas of the west that have seen heavy rain in recent days.
Here’s what’s coming up in your area:
Midwest
A blizzard warning is in effect for the entire upper Midwest and parts of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Forecasters expect the snow, ice and freezing rain storm to intensify into a “bomb cyclone” from Sunday into Monday, with heavier snow by Sunday evening.
The term “bomb cyclone” refers to the rapid intensification of a storm. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, they occur when a weather system containing cold, dry air meets a mass of warm, moist air, which intensifies it.
Snowfall amounts across the Midwest are expected to reach 6 inches in some areas and up to 2 feet along the Great Lakes. Heavy snow combined with wind gusts of up to 60 mph creates dangerous conditions for travelers.
“These strong winds could also cause power outages, downed tree limbs, and holiday decorations flying through the air,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Degar.
As of Sunday morning, 8% of flights departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Minneapolis-St. Louis Airport were suspended. Paul International Airport was delayed, according to Flight Aware.
Use USA TODAY’s detailed winter weather forecast map below to find out where snow is expected in the coming hours and days.
Southern and central United States
A period of record high temperatures across the south-central United States will come to an abrupt end Sunday afternoon and evening as an arctic cold front sweeps in and a series of powerful thunderstorms develop.
By Monday, the storm will move east from Arkansas toward the Midwest, the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, and the coastal southern states. AccuWeather predicts temperatures could plummet from the 20s to the 10s. A sudden drop in temperature can cause roads to freeze quickly.
of west
Atmospheric rivers that have deluged parts of Southern California due to rain over the past few days will be low on Sunday. Much of the West is expected to experience drier and milder weather through the start of the week.
Rain caused evacuations, landslides and power outages during the Christmas holiday. The storm killed several people.
Snow is expected to taper off in the central Rockies and Pacific Northwest, but some accumulation is possible in southeastern New Mexico on Monday.
Contributor: Janine Santuccitoday’s America
