Winter weather alerts have been issued for Alaska, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin as an early spring storm moves northeast, bringing heavy snow to the Great Lakes and New England. The National Weather Service has warned of “numerous weather hazards” and dropping temperatures in the region. The storm is expected to strengthen rapidly into Tuesday evening, with intense snowfall predicted for areas west of Lake Michigan, followed by another low-pressure system moving into New England on Thursday.
In eastern Wisconsin, up to 9 inches of additional snowfall is possible through Wednesday afternoon, with winds reaching 45 miles per hour causing blowing and drifting snow. Michigan’s northeastern peninsula could see up to 15 inches of snow and winds of 50 miles per hour by Thursday morning. The Great Lakes region has already experienced heavy snow throughout the winter, with up to 3 feet of snow falling during one storm in January. Heavy snow will then spread to northern New York state, Vermont, and northern New Hampshire, with significant accumulations and high winds expected in these areas.
New York and Vermont are forecasted to receive up to 2 feet of snow and high winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour from Wednesday into Friday morning. The NWS has warned of localized blizzard and whiteout conditions in mountain passes due to heavy snowfall rates. In New Hampshire, snow accumulations could reach up to 20 inches with sleet accumulation as well, while Maine will experience strong winds of up to 55 miles per hour near the coast, potentially leading to power outages and dangerous driving conditions. This storm follows several rounds of snow in New England from previous winter fronts.
The storm system has already caused tornado watches in the central-eastern Midwest, and now heavy snow and strong winds are expected to bring down tree branches and power lines in the Great Lakes and New England regions. Visibility near Lake Michigan will be reduced to less than 3 miles with snowfall rates reaching 1 inch per hour at times. Travel on mountain passes may be impossible at times due to blizzard and whiteout conditions, with New England facing similar challenges due to high winds and heavy snow.
Overall, the early spring storm moving through the Great Lakes and New England regions is expected to bring significant snowfall, high winds, and potential power outages. Residents in Alaska, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin should heed the winter weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service and prepare for hazardous driving conditions and potential travel disruptions. With the storm set to strengthen rapidly and move through the region over the coming days, it is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of inclement weather.
