Winter is staging a late-season comeback this week as two consecutive storm systems prepare to hammer the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and New England. After a brief period of unseasonable warmth, millions of residents are bracing for a combination of heavy snow and wind gusts reaching 75 mph.
The first system, a fast-moving clipper, is expected to develop out of the northwest on Thursday. This system will trigger a massive surge of wind across the Rockies and Plains, where high wind alerts are already in effect.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the intensifying low-pressure system could create whiteout conditions and power outages.
Snow is projected to break out across northern Minnesota and Michigan, with accumulations of 5 to 8 inches expected primarily north of Interstate 94. Blizzard warnings have been issued for regions along the Lake Superior shoreline in Minnesota as the wind carries into the Great Lakes.
Close on the heels of the clipper, a second, more potent system will begin its trek out of the Pacific Northwest by Friday afternoon. Driven by a dip in the jet stream, this system will collide with cold air ushered in from Canada.
From Saturday through Monday, moderate to heavy snow is forecast for North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and parts of New England.
Forecasters indicate that the combined impact of these storms could be significant.
“All told, more than 2 feet of snow could fall across parts of Wisconsin and Michigan through Monday,” the FOX Forecast Center reported, noting that over a foot is possible for other sections of the Upper Midwest, Northern Plains, and New England.
Major hubs, including Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Marquette, are in the path of the second storm, where blowing snow is likely to severely limit visibility.
As the systems exit by Monday morning, a blast of arctic air is expected to follow, dropping temperatures across the Upper Midwest and as far south as the Tennessee Valley.
Travelers are advised that the combination of heavy snow and high winds will make road conditions difficult to treacherous throughout the weekend.
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