Winter Storm Warning posted in Washington as first storm in this week's trio threatens Plains to mid-Atlantic
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for more than 20 million Americans from the central Plains to the mid-Atlantic who are bracing for snow and ice.
Monster storm could bring heaviest snow to Mid-Atlantic
FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel reports from Washington, D.C. where a winter storm is coming. The first of three rounds of winter storms could drop up to 6 inches of snow across the DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore areas. Winter Storm Watches are in place for the region through Wednesday. FOX Weather Meteorologist Ian Oliver breaks down the potential impacts for the rest of the Mid-Atlantic.
Fast Facts:
- A parade of winter storms is going into full throttle, with the next storm set to bring snow from the Plains to the mid-Atlantic.
- Winter storm alerts posted from High Plains of Colorado and Kansas to mid-Atlantic, where Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia are anticipating plowable snow.
- This early-week winter storm could potentially become Philadelphia's biggest snowfall so far this winter.
WASHINGTON – Widespread preparations are underway as a parade of winter storms is forecast for the Lower 48 this week. The first of the trio is currently developing in the Rockies and will head toward the mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for more than 20 million Americans from the central Plains to the mid-Atlantic who are bracing for snow and ice.
The storm will move eastward through the Ohio Valley on Tuesday, then impact the mid-Atlantic and Northeast from Tuesday night into Wednesday before heading offshore. As the snow ends in the Northeast, another storm will be forming over the Plains, continuing the week's trend of storms following this path.
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The FOX Forecast Center said snow coverage could extend over nearly two dozen states. However, due to the reduced cold air, snowfall totals are expected to remain light to moderate.
The highest snow totals will likely occur in the Appalachians and parts of the mid-Atlantic, especially as the storm strengthens and begins to pull in more cold air. Higher elevations in Virginia may see 5-8 inches of snow, while most of the mid-Atlantic, potentially including Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia, could see 3-5 inches.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for these areas through Wednesday morning.
Potential snow totals for the DC-Baltimore region through Wednesday.
Philadelphia's biggest snowfall so far this winter could be recorded by Wednesday.
Snow totals could be lower than expected, depending on exactly where the storm goes and how it develops, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Despite the uncertainty, Kansas is taking precautions. Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation Sunday morning in anticipation of the winter storms expected to impact the state this week.
"Kansans have faced challenges due to winter storms this year," she 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.
Farther east, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin also declared a state of emergency, as National Weather Service forecasts are predicting areas of accumulating snow, freezing rain, ice and excessive rainfall that could cause flooding, power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
"With another round of winter weather across the state this week forecasted to bring heavy snow and ice, I am declaring a state of emergency so we can move resources around the state," Youngkin said. "I urge all Virginians to monitor your local forecast and to prepare for possible impacts to roadways and infrastructure beginning overnight Monday throughout Tuesday."
In preparation for the snow, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered the District's Snow Team to begin salting roads, including parts of the National Highway System, overnight into Tuesday.
Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and enable notifications to be alerted to any changes in the forecast.