The second and more powerful of two storm systems crossing the country this week is bringing severe weather and heavy snow to a large portion of the country.
Severe thunderstorms are possible in at least nine states across the southern Plains, lower Mississippi Valley, and mid-South on Wednesday.
Tornadoes, hail, and damaging wind gusts are all possible when severe storms form.
Severe weather, snow to impact much of US
(Photo : ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Heavy snow is possible on the cold side of this storm system, beginning in the Rockies and spreading northeast across the Plains, Midwest, and into the Great Lakes by the end of the week, as per FOX News.
While most areas will receive up to five inches of snow, higher elevations may receive up to a foot.
Temperatures are running up to 30 degrees above average on either side of this storm, with temperatures running up to 30 degrees below average behind it.
Where are tornadoes most likely to occur in February?
Tornadoes are still a possibility in parts of the South during the winter months when much of the country is shivering in frigid temperatures.
This is because the jet stream settles in the southern United States for the winter, creating a sharp temperature contrast between cold air to the north originating in Canada and warm air to the south originating in the Gulf of Mexico.
Because of this clash of air masses, the jet stream is also at its strongest in the winter.
A stronger jet stream can provide the spin and energy needed in the atmosphere for thunderstorms to grow and intensify, potentially leading to tornado formation.
Winter severe storms are frequently found where there is a southward dip in the jet stream, known as a trough, or where a cold front is moving through a region.
The general tornado risk area in February extends southward from southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and the western half of Kentucky to the Gulf Coast and parts of the Southeast.
This includes Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Memphis, Tennessee, and Tampa, Florida.
In the United States, an average of 44 tornadoes occur each February, making it the second-least active month for twisters.
Only December ranks lower than February, with an average of 32 tornadoes.
Also Read: US Weather Forecast: Coastal Storm to Bring Heavy Rain and Snow in New England
freezing rain risk for the Maritimes Friday
When unseasonably warm temperatures drop to below zero at the end of the week, the Maritime region is in for a weather shock, as per CTV News.
Warmer air will continue to move up the eastern seaboard and into the Maritimes Wednesday night and Thursday.
Temperatures will rise throughout the night, with highs in the Maritimes expected to range from six to twelve degrees.
In some cases, those temperatures will be warm enough to break February 16 high-temperature records.
For example, the current high-temperature record for the Halifax area is 10.8 C, set in 2016, with a high near 11 C forecast for Thursday.
Temperatures in most of the Maritimes will drop to or below freezing Thursday night, contributing to a sloppy Friday forecast.
A low-pressure system is expected to emerge from the northeastern United States and cross the Maritimes on Friday.
Southern New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are at risk of prolonged freezing rain and ice pellets.
During the day on Friday, the risk of freezing rain is greatest in southern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
As the temperature drops Friday evening and night, both of those areas should turn to snow.
The risk of freezing rain/ice pellets in Nova Scotia may be greatest Friday evening and night, as temperatures will be above freezing during the day.
Environment Canada has issued special weather warnings for these areas, warning that freezing rain could last up to four hours.
Because temperatures in central and northern New Brunswick will be colder, precipitation will be a mix of snow and ice pellets.
Snow and ice pellets have the potential to accumulate to a depth of 10 to 20 cm.
The province's most likely area to see those amounts runs from Woodstock to Grand Falls and east to Miramichi.
It is also possible that parts of western Prince Edward Island will be affected by the system's snowfall.
Some of New Brunswick's northernmost communities, including Edmundston and Campbellton-Dalhousie, are expected to receive five to ten centimeters of snow.
Related article: US Weather Forecast: California Braces for Severe Rains, Storms, and Possible Flooding As US Nears Halfway of Meteorological Winter
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