The US is bracing for what could be the worst storm in recent years, as a massive system packing heavy snow and dangerous winds is forecasted to sweep from coast to coast.
The west coast has already seen the storm’s initial effects, with snow and rain battering the Pacific northwest.
As the storm gains strength and moves east, temperatures are expected to drop to the lowest yet this winter, leaving millions in its path vulnerable to chaos and disruption.
The Arctic blast is predicted to sweep over the Pacific Northwest, then through the northern Rocky Mountains and into the Great Plains, according to forecasters.
Since Sunday, the National Weather Service has been issuing winter storm warnings and advisories in anticipation of an approaching storm.
The strom is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the region, with temperatures dropping significantly after Tuesday, resulting in dangerous wind chills, according to the weather service.
Moreover, snowfall was expected in certain areas of North and South Dakota.
“Storm total snowfall will likely be measured in feet for many of the mountain ranges across the West,” said the Weather Prediction Centre.
Until Tuesday, the Cascade Mountains may get up to three feet of snow.
As tweeted by the LA National Weather Service: “Prolonged VERY COLD and unsettled pattern on track for late Tuesday through possibly next weekend!
“The coldest storm of the season, and possibly of the last several years is expected to impact southwest #CAwx Wed-Fri or Sat with showers across coasts and valleys with mainly snow across the mountains and deserts. Snow or graupel may even occur across some elevated valleys!”
“Low confidence on storm details given its Alaskan origin and this rare pattern. Widespread significant rain and mountain/high desert snow is possible.”
It specifically warned of the risks posed by boats at sea.
“A cold and strong storm system will bring dangerous conditions to the coastal waters Tuesday through Thursday or Friday with large and steep seas capable of capsizing vessels or breaking vessels off of anchors. Breaking waves may occur at Ventura and Moro Bay Harbor entrances,” it said.
Nevertheless, the Rockies and the Midwest are expected to get the most snowfall, according to the NWS Twin Cities in Minnesota, which noted: “Significant winter storm remains on track to impact the region Tuesday afternoon through Thursday.
“The heaviest snow & blizzard conditions are expected Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. Significant travel impacts are anticipated until Friday.”
The storm is expected to hit in two waves, according to the forecast.
“Moderate to heavy snow begins Tuesday afternoon & ends Wednesday morning. A relative lull in the snow is expected during the day Wednesday. The heaviest snow & blizzard conditions develop late Wednesday afternoon & continue through Thursday,” according to NWS.
“A foot of snow is almost guaranteed area-wide from both waves by the time snow ends Thursday. The Tuesday night/Wednesday morning phase will come as a narrower band of snow, which could miss far-southern MN & north-central MN & thus result in lower storm-total amounts.”
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