Up to 20 inches of snow and 50 mph winds are forecast across parts of Michigan, New York, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, as a major winter storm sweeps across the eastern half of the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for several regions, warning of dangerous whiteout conditions and life-threatening travel hazards through midweek.
This January storm is expected to bring widespread snowfall, extreme wind chills, and reduced visibility to millions of residents, including areas in the South unaccustomed to snow accumulation. According to NWS alerts, residents should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, with some regions potentially seeing snowfall rates of 4 inches per hour.
Lake-Effect Snow and Strong Winds Strike Northern States
In Michigan, several counties in the Upper Peninsula are bracing for a combination of blowing snow and wind chills between -15°F and -25°F, expected to last into Monday morning. According to the NWS, Keweenaw, Houghton, Alger, Marquette, Gogebic, and Ontonagon counties are forecast to receive between 4 and 6 inches of snow. Winds ranging from 35 to 45 mph are expected to cause blowing and drifting, reducing visibility and posing risks for drivers.
In New York, snowfall will be significantly more intense. The Tug Hill Plateau region, including Watertown and Fort Drum, could see between 2 to 3 feet of snow from Sunday through Wednesday, with wind gusts up to 45 mph, according to the NWS. Snowfall rates may reach 4 inches per hour, and wind chills could drop below zero overnight. The Buffalo region, including Niagara, Erie, and Genesee counties, is expected to receive up to 20 inches of snow during this time.
The heavy snow is being driven by lake-effect systems intensified by Arctic air moving across the Great Lakes. The NWS warns that whiteout conditions will be common across open areas, especially in upstate New York, with visibility reduced to near zero during the heaviest snow bands.
Southern States Face Rare Snow, Travel Warnings in Place
While heavy snowfall is expected across northern regions, parts of the Southeast are also facing unusual winter weather. The NWS has issued warnings for Georgia, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, where 1 to 3 inches of snow could fall between early Sunday and Sunday afternoon.
In Georgia, the snowfall is likely to impact Marion, Schley, Stewart, and Webster counties, as well as other areas in central and southwestern Georgia. Road conditions may quickly deteriorate, especially in communities without experience handling icy or snow-covered roads.
Similarly, southeast Alabama and portions of northwest Florida may see light accumulations that could be enough to cause travel disruptions. According to the NWS, snowfall in these regions is rare, and even modest amounts can lead to dangerous road conditions due to limited snow removal infrastructure.
The agency advises residents across all impacted areas to avoid unnecessary travel, ensure their vehicles are equipped with food and water, and check updated road condition reports by dialing 511. Power outages are also possible in regions experiencing high winds combined with wet, heavy snow.
The ongoing winter storm is impacting a large swath of the United States, from the Upper Midwest to the Deep South, with varying intensities and risks. While some regions are accustomed to heavy snowfall, others face unfamiliar hazards that may catch residents unprepared.
