Arctic air and record-warm Great Lakes brewing a heavy snowfall
A rare combination of weather conditions is coming together to create a heavy snowfall event in the northern United States, with the potential for significant disruptions and hazardous travel conditions. A mass of frigid Arctic air is surging south from the Canadian border, colliding with a rapidly warming Great Lakes. This unusual pairing is generating a powerful storm system that is expected to bring heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions to a large swath of the region.
As the Arctic air meets the record-warm water of the Great Lakes, the atmosphere is becoming charged with moisture. This, in turn, is leading to the formation of heavy snowfall rates and intense bands of freezing precipitation. The rapid intensification of the system is expected to bring snowfall totals in excess of a foot in some areas, with localized totals potentially reaching up to two feet or more.
The combination of the cold air and heavy snow is also likely to create treacherous travel conditions, with blizzard warnings issued for several counties. The heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected to reduce visibility and make it difficult to traverse even main roads and highways. Furthermore, the conditions are also expected to lead to power outages and property damage due to the weight of the snow.
The affected areas include parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with the storm expected to make landfall by late Tuesday and continue into early Wednesday. residents are advised to prepare for the worst, with the potential for extended power outages and significant disruptions to daily routines.
