LIVE: Major winter storm sweeping across US bringing heavy snow, dangerous ice, strong winds
A major winter storm will impact the eastern half of the U.S. through Monday. Heavy snow is likely in a wide swath from the Midwest to the South to the Northeast. Significant travel trouble should be anticipated during this time.
Coverage for this event has ended.
FOX Weather 3D Radar
FOX Weather 3D Radar is tracking the snow moving into parts of the Mid-South. Download a free version of the app right now to follow the winter storm.
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Charlotte metro area snow forecast
Snowfall amounts will vary greatly across the Charlotte metro area. Most the area will see 1 - 3" but the more mountainous regions to the west of town will see significantly higher amounts.
Ice accumulations will play a major role in determining how much snow falls in North Carolina.
Latest ice forecast: Click Here
St. Louis metro snowfall
Heavy rain overnight is expected to transition into snow for the St. Louis metro area on Saturday. Forecast models show most of the frozen precipitation will remain light because the cold air won't make it into the eastern parts of Missouri until the tail end of the system.
Total accumulations of an inch or less are expected in St. Louis with slightly higher amounts in areas to the west and northwest of the city.
FOX Weather is tracking the winter storm
Rain is forecast to transition into snow and ice for parts of the South on Saturday as a winter storm moves through the region. Most of the precipitation will be light but parts of the Tennessee Valley could find themselves seeing between 5 - 8" of snow.
Latest forecast: Click Here
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency on Friday for counties in northern and central parts of the state. Areas north of I-20 could pick up on significant ice and snow on Sunday as a winter storm quickly moves through.
Georgia has fewer pieces of snow removal equipment than some near-by states: Click Here
Virginia is pretreating roadways ahead of the winter storm.
Forecast models show many areas will only see between 1 - 3" of snow but areas along the Appalachians could see a foot with possibly locally higher amounts.
Latest on Virginia preps: Click Here
Kansas City Metro Forecast
Most areas around the Kansas City metro are expected to see between 3 - 5" of snow. The rain will transition into ice and snow overnight.
Weather issues have been reported in Manhattan, KS at Kansas State University. The school reported the entire campus was without power on Friday evening.
Iowa Roadway Status Map
Many of the roadways in Iowa are reporting either being partially or completely covered by snow. Iowa DOT has hundreds of plows working to help clear roadways. Roads in blue are partially covered by snow and those in purple are completely covered.
Many parts of the state will wake up to at least half a foot of snow on the ground on Saturday morning.
FOX Weather 3D Radar
FOX Weather 3D Radar is tracking heavy snow in Des Moines, IA right now. Forecast models indicate between 5 - 8" of frozen precipitation could fall.
Download a free version of the app right now to follow the winter storm.
Apple Apps Store: Click Here
Google Play Store: Click Here
Coastal flood alerts for Northeast
Coastal communities from New Jersey to Connecticut are under alerts due to the threat of flooding.
Because of winds created by the winter storm higher than average water levels are expected from Virginia through Maine.
A sea-level rise of 1 – 3 feet will be possible in areas under a Coast Flood Watch.
Winter weather alerts have been expanded to include a large part of the Northeast.
Major airlines are warning passengers about travel in the Midwest, South and Northeast because of the impacts of the winter storm.
Some have issued travel waivers for passengers.
Delta Airlines: Click Here
Southwest Airlines: Click Here
Sunday Forecast
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is directing agencies to prepare for an emergency response to the upcoming winter weather. Heavy snow is expected to move into the state on Sunday evening. Upwards of a foot of snow is forecast to fall from Sunday into Monday in western parts of the state.
In addition to the snow, temperatures will drop to near zero degrees for millions of New Yorkers.
The governor of South Carolina issued a State of Emergency ahead of the winter storm. The declaration is expected to help officials expedite preparations and start on recovery and relief operations after the storm.
"There is a potential for very dangerous conditions caused by accumulations of ice and snow, which will likely result in power outages across the state. I urge South Carolinians to monitor their local weather forecasts and begin taking safety precautions,” said Governor Henry McMaster.
Areas of the state could see upwards of half an inch of ice. Meteorologists warn travel could be impossible in areas where an Ice Storm Warning is in effect.
South Carolina Winter Weather Alerts
Winter Weather Alerts expanded in Northeast
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the D.C. metro area. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches is likely, with isolated higher amounts.
Forecast models show frozen precipitation could start late on Sunday and continue through Monday.
The weather will likely impact several events to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
Winter Weather Alerts
Ice Storm Warnings are now in effect for parts of northeastern Georgia and South Carolina. National Weather Service meteorologists warn travel on Sunday could be nearly impossible in the region. Ice accumulations could tally upwards of 1/2".
Heavy ice accumulations could lead to tree damage and power outages. Ice forecast: CLICK HERE
Heavy snow is impacting Iowa right now. The frozen precipitation is expected to continue to drive southward through Missouri.
FOX Weather snowfall forecasts
Forecast models show rain will change into frozen precipitation for Arkansas on Saturday as the system dives into the South.
The heaviest snow is expected to fall over the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Isolated areas could see upwards of two feet of snow.
Accumulations are expected to be light in the metro Atlanta area.
Read more on the winter storm forecast: CLICK HERE
(Iowa State Patrol)
Northbound lanes of Interstate 35 are closed in the Mason City, Iowa, area while crews work to clear a semi-truck crash, the Iowa State Highway Patrol said.
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions in Iowa, click here.
(FOX Weather)
More than 56 million people are currently under a winter alert as a major winter storm is underway.
The storm is currently impacting the Midwest and is expected to snarl travel as it tracks to the South and then up the East Coast with heavy snow, ice and strong winds through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
The current U.S. snow cover is just under 30% as of 1:30 p.m. Eastern time.
International Falls, Minnesota, holds the coldest U.S. temperature at minus 7 degrees.
(NWS Quad Cities)
Conditions on roads in Iowa are beginning to deteriorate closer to the Mississippi River as a band of snow works east.
Roads are becoming partially covered, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Some are completely covered to the east and west of the Cedar Rapids metro.
"This morning's precipitation was just the appetizer," the National Weather Service in Des Moines said in a tweet. "The main course is on the way for mid-afternoon and through the overnight as more widespread snow and heavier snow rates arrive."
With snow, sleet and freezing rain expected in the Carolinas this weekend, Duke Energy is ready to respond to possible power outages.
The utility company said they are bringing in nearly 600 teammates from the company’s other service areas, including the Midwest and Florida, to assist with power restoration across the Carolinas. They also secured approximately 1,000 workers from other utilities who are scheduled to arrive by Saturday.
Heavy, wet snow or freezing precipitation can cause trees and tree limbs to fall or sag onto power lines, resulting in power outages. These outages typically occur when there is more than six inches of wet snow or a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation on trees.
“Customers need to be prepared for a wintry mix that will bring with it the potential to cause outages in our service area,” said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy Carolinas storm director. “Across the Carolinas, we have power line and tree crews, and other storm personnel, ready to safely respond to power outages this weekend.”
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency in preparation for a winter storm expected to move into the state over the weekend.
“We expect this storm to have a significant impact in many parts of Virginia,” Northam said. “Declaring a state of emergency now allows our emergency responders to prepare, and to move supplies and equipment where they expect to need them the most. This also gives Governor-elect Youngkin the ability to respond to any storm needs swiftly. I urge Virginians to take this storm seriously and make preparations now.”
The Virginia Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the movement of a major winter weather system heading toward Virginia, with anticipated tracks showing impacts beginning Saturday evening.
Parts of Virginia are still dealing with the consequences of last week's back-to-back events, including power restoration and significant debris removal.
This upcoming weather system is likely to include additional downed trees, more electrical outages, and significant impacts on travel conditions.
Click the image above to watch.
Salt trucks were out on Interstate 85 outside of Greensboro, North Carolina, on Friday.
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Snow fell across Iowa State University on Friday as the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for central Iowa, forecasting 6 to 10 inches of snow into Saturday morning.
This footage from Kevin Cavallin shows the snow-covered campus in Ames, Iowa, on Friday morning.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol until noon Wednesday.
“It’s looking like we are going to see another blast of arctic temperatures moving into the state, followed by the potential for a winter storm,” Lamont said.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from severe cold conditions, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.
While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services.
Safety measures have been also been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Weather Service and local media outlets rely heavily on the public to provide snowfall measurements during winter weather events.
(North Carolina Department of Transportation)
As the North Carolina Department of Transportation prepares for this weekend’s winter weather, North Carolinians are urged to get any food or other supplies they may need, because travel could be dangerous during the storm.
More than 1,100 employees and 400 trucks will have placed more than one million gallons of brine ahead of the expected storm, NCDOT said in a tweet.
“Our crews and contractors are doing all we can to get ready for this storm and we ask North Carolinians to prepare as well,” State Transportation Secretary J. Eric Boyette said. “Please make sure to plan ahead because this storm could impact travel around the state.”
After pre-treating the roads, crews will rest, then switch out brining equipment for plowing equipment to clear the roads of snow and ice for post-storm response.
Governor Roy Cooper is urging people across North Carolina to prepare for a significant incoming winter storm and has signed a state of emergency in advance of the storm’s arrival.
“This storm will bring significant impacts from snow, sleet and freezing rain in different parts of the state, with likely power outages and travel disruptions,” Cooper said. “North Carolinians should pay close attention to their local weather forecast over the next few days, and make sure they are personally prepared before Saturday afternoon.”
Cooper signed a state of emergency Thursday evening to activate state resources to respond to the storm and to allow for the possibility of federal reimbursement if the event qualifies.
Click the image above to watch.
A winter storm warning was issued in southwest Minnesota around 9 a.m. Friday. While this storm will bring heavy snow, it’s not unusual for their state to see a 6-12 inch snowfall.
Three of those four listed need it to be a winter storm, but one can happen year-round -- even in the summer.
The Murdo Police Department is warning drivers to slow down during the winter weather, and they are showing results when drivers don’t.
Police recently released video of a driver of an SUV who lost control on a slick roadway and nearly crashed into an officer who was working a previous crash.
(FOX Weather)
The National Weather Service in Des Moines said snow continues to move into Iowa from the northwest and will overspread the majority of the state by late Friday morning.
"Please use caution if traveling across the state today," the NWS said in a tweet. "Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall and breezy winds will cause travel to be hazardous."
(Iowa DOT)
Here's the current travel map as of 8:45 a.m. Friday from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
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Pete Poore, Director of Communications for SCDOT, says the state began prepping for the upcoming major winter storm on Wednesday.
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More than 20 counties have issued travel alerts in North Dakota as the winter storm starts to move in.
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Kent Leysring, Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the North Dakota Department of Transportation, said three quarters of North Dakota are currently under travel alerts.
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Kim Stich, with Kansas City DOT and Kansas Department of Transportation, talks about storm preparations and travel for the upcoming winter storm.
The winter storm will take about four days to follow a U-shaped path, tracking from North Dakota down to Georgia and up to Maine.
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