Severe weather conditions: winter storm «Blair» in the USA — details
4 january 2025 в 20:37
The New Year brings harsh winter weather to many parts of the United States as winter storm Blair moves across the country.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a statement on Friday warning that «travel of any kind will likely be very difficult and extremely dangerous» in areas expecting heavy snow and/or significant ice accumulation.
NWS also warned of possible power outages and tree damage due to ice accumulation.
AccuWeather’s lead long-range forecaster, Paul Pastelok, added, «This could be the coldest January since 2011 for the entire U.S».
Currently, fifteen states are under a winter storm warning, including Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, West Virginia, Kansas, Montana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Alaska, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Nebraska.
NWS reports that regions from central Kansas to Indiana will face a 60% to 90% chance of receiving at least eight inches of snow, with some areas, especially Kansas and Missouri, potentially seeing up to 14 inches. In regions with the heaviest snowfall, NWS warns that this could be the «strongest snowstorm in the last ten years».
Travelers are advised to have an emergency kit in their vehicles, including essentials such as a flashlight, food, and water. The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends postponing non-essential trips, but if that is not possible, extreme caution is necessary. Drivers should be prepared for sudden changes in visibility, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and allocate extra time to reach their destinations. It is important to avoid sudden braking or acceleration and exercise particular caution when driving on hills and curves. It is recommended to ensure that vehicles are winterized and in good working condition.
For areas with ice accumulation, NWS suggests having a winter kit on hand, including items such as tire chains, jumper cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. They also recommend bringing water, a first aid kit, and other items that may be helpful in case you get stuck
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a statement on Friday warning that «travel of any kind will likely be very difficult and extremely dangerous» in areas expecting heavy snow and/or significant ice accumulation.
NWS also warned of possible power outages and tree damage due to ice accumulation.
AccuWeather’s lead long-range forecaster, Paul Pastelok, added, «This could be the coldest January since 2011 for the entire U.S».
Currently, fifteen states are under a winter storm warning, including Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, West Virginia, Kansas, Montana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Alaska, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Nebraska.
NWS reports that regions from central Kansas to Indiana will face a 60% to 90% chance of receiving at least eight inches of snow, with some areas, especially Kansas and Missouri, potentially seeing up to 14 inches. In regions with the heaviest snowfall, NWS warns that this could be the «strongest snowstorm in the last ten years».
Travelers are advised to have an emergency kit in their vehicles, including essentials such as a flashlight, food, and water. The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends postponing non-essential trips, but if that is not possible, extreme caution is necessary. Drivers should be prepared for sudden changes in visibility, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and allocate extra time to reach their destinations. It is important to avoid sudden braking or acceleration and exercise particular caution when driving on hills and curves. It is recommended to ensure that vehicles are winterized and in good working condition.
For areas with ice accumulation, NWS suggests having a winter kit on hand, including items such as tire chains, jumper cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. They also recommend bringing water, a first aid kit, and other items that may be helpful in case you get stuck
© Smirnova Olga
