A winter storm is threatening Christmas flights for millions of Americans hoping to take off early for the holidays.
Airports and highways in the Midwest and Northeast are in the path of the two existing systems is expected to bring snow and gusty winds on Saturday.
‘Alberta clipper’ storm – so called because this fast moving machine comes from the centre Canada – is following a southeasterly path across the Upper Midwest and has already done so he gave several inches of snow to the areas of the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the storm is expected snow removal of at least four inches; as it passes through the Midwest, creating slippery roads.
States in the storm’s path include North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, IndianaOhio, West Virginia,Virginia and Maryland.
Parts of the Northeast – including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, central and southern New York and southwestern New England – could also be affected.
Right now, there is another storm growing in the Atlantic near the coast of the Carolinas. This winter may bring snow and gusty winds to the northeast.
States expected to receive snow from the storm include Connecticut, MassachusettsNew Hampshire, southwest Maine and parts of Long Island, New York. Rhode Island and lower East Maine will also be affected.
The storm could disrupt flights for millions of Americans flying over Christmas
A combination of two winter storms is bringing dangerous conditions to the Midwest and Northeast as the holiday season begins.
‘Danger and snow can quickly explode and drop on a fixed video somewhere in the afternoon and evening at five o’clock in the northeast‘AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
The combination of rapidly accumulating snow and frozen roads can lead to slush, slowing traffic and causing accidents, according to AccuWeather.
Northeast areas at risk include New York City and Baltimore as well as Philadelphia, Allentown, Scranton and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
But ‘What’s going on in New York City is tough,’ Rayno said.
‘They can get a coating of an inch or two of snow from a storm, maybe more if a coastal storm is moving west, or they can be in a patchy area where nothing much happens.’
But before the storm reaches the northeast, the Alberta Clipper will dump snow across the Midwest. In some areas, it has already begun.
As of noon Thursday, Fargo, North DakotaMinneapolis and Madison, Wisconsin received several inches of snow.
Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit can too expect a few snow showers from thursday evening through friday morning.
The ‘Alberta clipper’ storm – so named because this fast machine originates in central Canada – is tracking southeast across the Upper Midwest.
Meanwhile, another storm is brewing in the Atlantic off the coast of the Carolinas. This winter may bring snow and gusty winds to the northeast
‘The biggest travel delays are on the roads and at the airport. Travel on Interstate 80/90 will be delayed by snow,” AccuWeather said.
On Friday, an inch or two of snow could also accumulate in Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio.
By Friday evening, an Alberta low will reach the central Appalachians, bringing up to two inches of snow to the West. Virginianorthern Maryland and northern Virginia to Pennsylvania, New Jerseycentral and southern New York and southwestern New England.
By noon Thursday, Fargo, North Dakota, Minneapolis and Madison, Wisconsin, had received several inches of snow, AccuWeather reported. Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit can also expect snow from Thursday evening into Friday morning
A storm developing along the Atlantic coast could lead to a period of snow and gusty winds across the Northeast, from Friday night into Saturday morning.
But the region can also expect pockets of moderate to heavy snow, reaching several inches.
Meanwhile, a storm forming along the Atlantic coast could lead to a period of snow and blizzard conditions in the northeast, from Friday night into Saturday morning.
If the hurricane develops rapidly, reaches its predicted strength and remains near the coast, Providence, Rhode IslandBoston, Hartford, Connecticut, Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine could see two to three inches.
If you plan to hit the road this weekend, the NWS advises you to check the road ahead of time by calling 511 or visiting 511ia.org, only drive during daylight hours, stay on highways and drive with caution.
This means leaving plenty of space between you and the car in front of you and maintaining a safe speed.
Although this cold weather can disrupt the flora of many parts of the US, there is a silver lining.
“There is a good chance that where snow falls on Saturday, it could remain until Christmas morning in the area,” AccuWeather said.
