A severe ice storm<\/strong> is set to sweep across the Midwest<\/strong> and Northeast United States<\/strong> this week, bringing freezing rain, sleet, and snow<\/strong> that could disrupt travel and cause power outages. Meteorologists warn that hazardous road conditions and strong winds could impact millions, with states from Minnesota to Maine<\/strong> bracing for dangerous weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clash of warm southern air and Arctic cold from the north<\/strong> is expected to generate intense winter weather, particularly affecting areas across the Great Lakes and Northeast<\/strong>. According to AccuWeather<\/strong>, freezing rain and sleet could leave a quarter inch of ice<\/strong> on roads and infrastructure in several states, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further east, snowfall between one and three inches<\/strong> is forecast for regions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some higher elevations may see up to six inches<\/strong> of snow. In major metropolitan areas along the I-95 corridor<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initial ice accumulation is likely to transition into rain as temperatures fluctuate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interstates 80 and 94<\/strong> are among the highways at risk, as icy surfaces<\/strong> and accumulating snow could create hazardous driving environments. AccuWeather <\/a>Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter<\/strong> warned that even a light glaze of ice<\/strong> can turn roads into dangerous skating rinks, increasing the likelihood of accidents and travel disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the immediate travel hazards, the storm carries a significant threat to power infrastructure<\/strong>. Ice accumulation on power lines and tree branches<\/strong> could lead to outages, with as little as half an inch of ice<\/strong> adding approximately 500 pounds of extra weight<\/strong> to power cables. As a result, falling branches and snapping lines could leave thousands without electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strong winds will worsen the situation, particularly across the Great Lakes and Northeast<\/strong>, with gusts reaching 50 mph on Thursday<\/strong>. By Friday<\/strong>, parts of the Northeast could see winds exceeding 30 mph<\/strong>. This is expected to increase the likelihood of downed trees<\/strong> and power lines<\/strong>, complicating recovery efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities are urging residents in the storm’s path<\/strong> to prepare for dangerous conditions<\/strong>, take precautions for potential power outages, and limit travel<\/strong> as ice and snow <\/a>accumulate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"