Fast Facts:
- Nearly 200 million in 40 states could see snow during the week ahead as a trio of winter storms slide across the U.S.
- Northeast could see its snowiest stretch of weather in years.
- Snow totals could be measured in feet by week’s end.
BOSTON – If you were hoping the U.S. had turned a corner and more springlike weather was on the way, you’re going to have to hold on a bit longer as the FOX Forecast Center tracks what is shaping up to be an incredibly active week for winter weather across the nation.
This renewed threat comes just as millions of people across the Northeast and New England clean up in the wake of a winter storm over the weekend that dumped several inches of snow across the region.
Triple threat of winter storms looms this week
(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said at least three separate winter storms are expected to sweep across a large portion of the U.S. during the week ahead, bringing the threat of widespread snow and ice to tens, if not hundreds, of millions of Americans from coast to coast.
And forecasters say there’s one thing that these incoming storms have in common: They’re all expected to blast the Northeast.
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First winter storm develops in Plains Monday, sweeps into mid-Atlantic Tuesday
(FOX Weather)
The first of three winter storms is expected to develop over the Plains as we begin the new workweek, and preparations are underway in the region.
The National Weather Service issued winter weather alerts for more than 20 million Americans from the central Plains to the mid-Atlantic that will be in effect until at least Wednesday morning.
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This graphic shows the winter weather alerts in effect in the central Plains.
(FOX Weather)
Portions of eastern Colorado, southern Nebraska, most of Kansas, central and northern Missouri, southeastern Iowa and western Illinois are all under a Winter Storm Watch.
This includes cities like Wichita and Topeka in Kansas and Kansas City and St. Joseph in Missouri.
The NWS said the storm will exit the Rockies on Tuesday and will impact the central Plains from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday.
Heavy snow is possible by early Wednesday, with some snowfall rates of around an inch per hour that could allow about 5 inches of snow accumulation for much of central Kansas along the Interstate 70 corridor.
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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation on Sunday morning due to the impending winter storms that will impact the state this week.
“Kansans have faced challenges due to winter storms this year,” Kelly said in a statement. “The key to meeting those challenges is to be prepared. As I did during past storms, I urge all Kansans to take measures to make sure their families are ready by making a home emergency kit and emergency plan.”
In addition, Kelly urged residents to avoid travel if possible. If travel is needed, it is advised to tell someone your travel plans, ensure the vehicle has a full tank of gas, and keep an emergency kit inside the vehicle.
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This graphic shows the winter weather alerts in effect in the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic.
(FOX Weather)
After impacting the Plains, the storm is expected to move into the Ohio Valley, and then slam the mid-Atlantic and portions of the Northeast into Wednesday morning before the system pushes offshore.
Richmond, Virginia, Washington and Baltimore are under Winter Storm Watches through Wednesday. Heavy snow is possible, with totals between 4 and 6 inches. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of northwestern North Carolina, central and western Virginia and eastern West Virginia.
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Second storm develops as first pushes off East Coast
(FOX Weather)
As that first storm begins to wind down over the mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Wednesday, the second storm will already be developing over the Plains.
The FOX Forecast Center said the storm will spread snow into the Midwest by Wednesday night before setting its sights on the Northeast on Thursday.
The FOX Forecast Center said this storm could potentially produce the highest snow totals of the three, as heavy snow is looking more likely from the Plains to New England.
As of Monday, the FOX Forecast Center said the busy Interstate 95 corridor is looking more wet than white, but that will come into better focus as the week goes on.
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Third storm to impact some weekend plans
(FOX Weather)
The last storm, for now, is expected to take shape late this week and continue into the weekend, bringing yet another round of winter weather to cities from the Plains to New England.
The FOX Forecast Center said this relentless winter weather pattern could continue into next week, but it’s still too soon to know that for certain.
Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and enable notifications to be alerted to any changes in the forecast.
