Multi-Hazard Winter Storm with Cold Front to Impact Lower 48 States

A multi-hazard winter storm with a cold front is set to hit the Lower 48 states this weekday reaching as far as the Northeast US, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). In its latest update on Monday, February 13, the NWS says the storm could further take shape over the Four Corners region on Valentine's Day at Tuesday, February 14, bringing mountain snow and strong winds.

A band of heavy snow will continue to persist into the inland US from the central Rockies to the Great Lakes from midweek to late week, particularly from Wednesday to Thursday, February 15 to February 16. Meanwhile, severe storms are possible from the South US to Ohio Valley. During this period, cancellation or delay of flights are possible as poor visibility from rain or snow could disrupt travel.

The winter storm forecast on Monday serves as an update of the initial short-range outlook by the NWS and other US meteorologists over the weekend. Earlier forecasts said that two storms from the Pacific Ocean will enter the country through the Western US and Pacific Northwest. The latest forecast retains the forecasted threat of heavy rain and flooding, in addition to the ones mentioned.

Multi-Hazard Winter Storm

The NWS' Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on Monday said the wintry conditions affecting the Lower 48 states will continue in the coming days, with the active weather system dominating most of the western to central US.

The prediction center adds blizzard conditions are possible over portions of the Northern Plains or Upper Mississippi Valley from Tuesday evening to Wednesday. Furthermore, heavy snow events are expected in the high-altitude terrain of the American West into the Central High Plains brought by the multi-hazard winter storm.

The term multi-hazard winter storm pertains to the many winter weather hazards mentioned earlier, including heavy snow, heavy rain, and strong winds.

US Winter Season

The US is still currently in its winter season which spans from December to February each year. The season saw one of the largest winter storms in the country's history.

In late December 2022, a violent and widespread winter hurricane or bomb cyclone wreaked havoc across the Northeast US, including Buffalo, New York, and other areas of the country.

Most of the victims died due to weather hazards relating to cold of freezing temperatures, heavy snow, or blizzard conditions.

Winter Weather Events

One of the most notable events from the historic season is called the Buffalo blizzard or Buffalo snow storm. The New York Times on December 29 reported that almost 40 people died in western New York due to the storm, but local authorities at that time said the death toll is expected to rise.

Since January 2023, the northern tier of the US experienced similar events following the deadly winter storm in December. The website Severe Weather Europe on January 28 stated another powerful Arctic cold blast struck North America from Canada to the US, bringing the coldest air of 2023.