Snowfall up to 7 inches and strong winds are forecast to strike eight states, triggering winter weather warnings across wide swaths of the country. From the Midwest to parts of Florida, the National Weather Service has issued alerts warning of “hazardous conditions” through Tuesday.
Travel disruptions and plummeting temperatures are expected, with varying impacts from state to state. Snow, freezing rain, ice, and high winds could create dangerous driving conditions and pose risks to residents, especially in elevated and coastal regions.
Cold Intensifies Across Midwest and Appalachians
Snow is expected to hit multiple areas across the Midwest and Appalachian regions, with accumulations ranging from 1 to 7 inches. According to the National Weather Service, central, south central, and southeast Ohio may receive up to 4 inches of snow, potentially disrupting Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Meanwhile, parts of Indiana, including Bartholomew and Jackson counties, are forecast to see up to 2 inches of snow by Tuesday evening, raising concerns about road safety during peak travel hours.
In Kentucky, northern and northeastern regions could see up to 4 inches, while other areas might get 2 inches. West Virginia will also be affected, particularly in Preston and Tucker counties, where snowfall may exceed 4 inches on higher terrain. Western Grant and western Pendleton counties are predicted to get between 2 and 3 inches, with snow falling steadily throughout Tuesday afternoon into the evening.
Western Maryland’s Garrett County is forecast to receive up to 3 inches of snow from noon to midnight Tuesday. In Michigan, lake-effect snow could bring up to 7 inches to Alger County, where travel may become “very difficult,” particularly during commute hours, according to the NWS.
Extreme Conditions Stretch From Alaska to Florida
Farther north, parts of Alaska are facing compounded threats from snow and high winds. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for summits along the Dalton, Elliott, and Steese Highways, which may see up to 3 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 55 mph through Thursday. These conditions could significantly reduce visibility due to blowing snow. Inland areas of the Bristol Bay region may experience gusts of 35 mph, with up to 2 inches of snow and patchy ice, particularly from New Stuyahok to Koliganek.
Along Alaska’s northern and Arctic coasts, including Kivalina and Red Dog Dock, winds are expected to reach 50 mph. Snowfall of up to 1 inch and reduced visibility, sometimes under half a mile, are forecast through Wednesday afternoon.
In stark contrast, Florida is under freeze warnings across multiple inland counties. According to the NWS, temperatures are expected to drop to around 30°F, with wind chills reaching as low as 25°F in inland Broward, Palm Beach, Hendry, and Collier counties. Northeast and northern Florida may experience lows around 26°F inland and 30°F closer to the coast. Inland areas of Charlotte, Polk, Citrus, and Sumter counties are also predicted to experience wind chills near 28°F.
Authorities are urging residents to protect plants and pets from the cold. This expansive storm system demonstrates the geographical diversity of winter weather impacts across the United States, from Arctic gusts in Alaska to rare freezes in subtropical Florida. The National Weather Service continues to monitor evolving conditions closely.
