The latest in a series of winter storms will target areas from the central Plains through the Mid-South to the southern Mid-Atlantic today and Wednesday.
A developing low-pressure system over the southern Plains today will start to send plenty of warm, moist Gulf air northward. At the same time, a strong Canadian high-pressure system will send very cold and dry air southward. Where these two air masses collide, a major winter storm is expected today through Friday.
Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories are in place from central and eastern Kansas and central and eastern Oklahoma eastward into southern West Virginia, southern Virginia, and North Carolina. Winter Storm Watches are also in effect across southern Maryland and southern Delaware.
Snow will develop across portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and northern Arkansas throughout the day today and will quickly race eastward to the Atlantic coast by Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Despite being a quick-hitting storm, snowfall can be heavy and lead to significant, if not dangerous, travel conditions. In general, three to 8 inches of snow is likely from Kansas and Oklahoma eastward through northern North Carolina and southern Virginia. The heaviest snow is expected today across portions of southeastern Kansas, northeastern Oklahoma into southwestern Missouri where 8 to 12 inches of snow will be likely.
Extensive Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories are found from Kansas to northern Texas eastward to North Carolina and Virginia. Winter Storm Watches are also in effect across portions of North Carolina, Virginia, southern Maryland, and southern Delaware.
Cities that are expected to be impacted by the latest winter storm include Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City, Dallas, Little Rock, Ark., St. Louis, Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., and Richmond, Va.
In addition to the snow, a small icing zone is expected, with upwards of a tenth of an inch of ice. This zone stretches from northeastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma into southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana and areas eastward across northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, into eastern North Carolina.
Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid traveling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.