‘One-Two Punch’: Winter Storm Chan Takes Aim at Northeast After Blanketing the Midwest
Just as millions of travelers are wrapping up a chaotic Thanksgiving weekend, a fresh blast of winter weather is already queued up to create new headaches. Meteorologists are calling this latest system, Winter Storm Chan, the “one-two punch” following the first holiday storm, and it is set to bring a new round of disruptive snow and ice to the Midwest before turning its sights on the Northeast.
Midwest Braces for More Snow
The first storm of the holiday weekend had already delivered a heavy coat of white, with cities like Chicago, Des Moines, and Milwaukee seeing significant accumulations of six to twelve inches in some areas. Now, Winter Storm Chan is ready to bring an additional wave of snow to the Midwest and Great Lakes region, with the main impact expected throughout Monday and into Monday night.
While the new storm may not be a massive event for every part of the region, any additional snow on already saturated ground could severely complicate the Monday morning commute and post-holiday travel rush. Travelers in a swath stretching from Missouri to Ohio, and through the Appalachians, are being put on notice for a mix of accumulating snow and ice from Monday into Tuesday. Road conditions have already been hazardous, with officials reporting numerous vehicle crashes on major arteries like Interstate 70 in the preceding days. Those hitting the road for the final leg of the busiest travel period of the year should remain vigilant.
Northeast on High Alert for a Wintry Start to the Week
The big story with Winter Storm Chan is its trajectory toward the East Coast. Forecasters expect the system to track further south and east than the first storm, putting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast in its crosshairs. The storm is slated to hit the Northeast hard from Tuesday into Wednesday morning, threatening to bring widespread icing and potentially significant snowfall to the region.
A key concern is the potential formation of a coastal low pressure system, also known as a nor’easter. This development could draw in warmer Atlantic water, which would clash with the frigid air sweeping down from a phenomenon known as sudden stratospheric warming, thereby increasing snowfall totals in the interior Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Disruptive, moderate-to-heavy snowfall is a real possibility across the interior Northeast. Cities along the I-95 corridor, particularly Boston, are being advised to closely monitor the evolving forecast, as the track of the storm will determine whether they receive heavy snow, a rain and snow mix, or just rain.
Deep Freeze Follows the Snow
Beyond the accumulating snow, travelers and residents should prepare for a major drop in temperatures. Following the passage of the storms, a frigid air mass is expected to sweep from the Plains toward the Northeast. This arctic blast will send temperatures plummeting, with around 21 million people in northern states forecast to experience single-digit readings. This intense cold will not only make snow removal more difficult but also significantly raise heating demand as the meteorological winter begins on December 1.
Whether you are in the path of the initial snowfall or preparing for the second half of this wintry double whammy, it is a good time to remember the advice of county officials: stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, and watch some TV if you can.
