National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Warning (What, Where & When)

National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning said to will sweep through the central and eastern U.S. this weekend into Monday.

WHAT : Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations up to four tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

WHERE: In Kansas, Bourbon County. In Missouri, St. Clair and Vernon Counties.

WHEN: From noon Saturday to 6 AM CST Monday.

IMPACTS: Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.

Key Facts to know about the Winter Storm Warning

• Widespread Winter Storm:

  A major winter storm is expected to impact a large area from the Northern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic.

• Heavy Snow:

  • Significant snowfall is forecast for the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and parts of the Ohio Valley.
  • Heavy snow is also expected in the Central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic.

• Icing:

  Significant ice accumulation is possible across parts of the Central Plains, Ohio Valley, and into the Mid-Atlantic.

• Lake-Effect Snow:

  Heavy lake-effect snow is expected downwind of the Great Lakes.

• Travel Disruptions:

  Travel will be extremely difficult and dangerous in many areas due to heavy snow and ice.

• Temperature Contrast:

  • Cold temperatures will prevail across much of the eastern U.S.
  • Above-average temperatures are expected in the West and parts of the South.

• Severe Weather Threat:

  • Severe weather, including heavy rain and isolated flash flooding, is possible in the Lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday.

Summary of Winter Storm Warning:

The National Weather Service is warning of a significant winter storm impacting a large portion of the U.S. with heavy snow, ice, and extremely dangerous travel conditions. This severe weather event will be accompanied by a sharp temperature contrast across the country, with cold temperatures in the East and above-average temperatures in the West.

Instructions by NWS on Winter Storm:

Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.