A snowstorm will affect the northern tier of the US this week due to winter weather and strong winds that have been predicted to spread to the northern Rockies and Upper Midwest, as per the latest weather forecasts.
The adverse weather is said to prompt the risks of travel disruption and power outages.
Shifting Storm
Before shifting to the Northern US, the storm will affect first the Western US, causing rainfall and mountain snow in the Pacific Northwest and its surrounding areas.
The winter-like weather phenomenon is also accompanied by gusty winds due to its duration for several days this week.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Joseph Bauer, a buildup of high pressure off the California coast and Northwest is expected to move toward the Great Plains.
The occurrences of the phenomena will make snow and strong winds to be the main hazards of the potent storm.
Initially forecasted by the Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - National Weather Service (NWS), the stormy conditions are a result of a potent low-pressure system accompanied by a powerful cold front from Monday, April 4.
Also Read: Brewing Snowstorm to Deliver Heavy Snowfall in Central US
Midwest
The upper portion of the region will experience a surge of cold air and retain potential heavy snow across the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota.
In addition, the accumulation of snow between one and three inches is likely in North Dakota and northern Minnesota by Wednesday morning, April 6, according to Bauer.
Meanwhile, the cities of Madison, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota will reportedly experience rain showers and wet snowflakes as the snowstorm will move eastward throughout Wednesday.
The accumulation of snow could also cause slippery conditions.
Furthermore, significant temperature drops are possible in the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City in Missouri until the end of the week.
Related cold weather events are also possible in other cities and towns across the Upper Midwest.
Rocky Mountains
Mountain snow and disruptive winds will cover the central and northern portions of the Rockies on Tuesday, April 5.
Furthermore, Bauer warned southeast Wyoming and north-central Colorado of the potential occurrence of wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour (mph).
Wind gusts of up to 80 mph are also apparently possible on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
Snowstorm Hazards
AccuWeather meteorologists have also warned of the potential hazards of the snowstorm, including travel delays, reduced visibility, localized power outages, and life-threatening crosswinds.
For travel, road traffic movement, railway service, and flights in the said regions are likely to be affected by the storm's snowfall and strong winds.
This is mainly because of reduced visibility, especially during evening hours.
In terms of infrastructure, the winter weather conditions have a chance to knock out power lines, resulting in the cut of power supply.
Although no significant events have been reported yet, the Power Outage US site indicates a total of around 13,000 outages in the states of California, Oregon, and New Mexico.
The US has already entered its supposed calm weather and warm climate during the spring season from March 20.
However, a series of fluctuating severe weather events, including the recent severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks last week, have contributed to a rough start for the season, as per the NOAA - NWS.
Related Article: NOAA - NSW Warns Severe Thunderstorms in Florida, Critical Fire Weather in the Great Plains, and Mountain Snow in the Northwest