Residents across nine states are bracing themselves for heavy snow, high winds, and icy roads, with winter weather advisories now in place up until Friday evening.
Separate storm warnings have been issued in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan, where 10 inches of snowfall could wreak havoc for travelers setting off for the holidays.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wave of recent winter weather alerts across the country, with some areas facing whiteout conditions during blizzards and power outages. Meanwhile, an increased chance for atmospheric river activity could provide the ideal conditions for a winter storm in eight states this Christmas.
"Snow, a wintry mix, and hazardous travel conditions are expected across the Midwest and Northeast through Friday," Brandon Buckingham, an AccuWeather meteorologist, told Newsweek via email.
"Two storms will affect the regions (one departing off the Atlantic coast today [Thursday], and another Alberta Clipper system to quickly follow), while a third storm just offshore in the Atlantic is being monitored. A coastal storm developing could create hazardous conditions and airline delays in the busy I-95 Northeast corridor by Friday evening."
Michigan
The NWS has forecast between 4 and 8 inches of snow across Menominee County, with travel expected to be delayed and difficult Thursday evening through Friday morning. Up to 10 inches of snow could also fall near Lake Michigan.
Elsewhere in the Great Lakes State, a winter weather advisory remains in place until 10. a.m. ET Friday. This includes the cities of Ontonagon and Ironwood, which could receive between 3 and 6 inches of snow.
Drivers are encouraged to only travel when necessary and to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.
West Virginia
Icy conditions on roads and sidewalks are set to slow down residents in northwest Pocahontas, southeast Randolph, and southeast Webster Counties. While snowfall could total less than an inch, drivers should slow down and exercise caution while pedestrians are advised to watch their first few steps in order to avoid a fall. A winter weather advisory remains in place until Thursday 7.a.m. ET.
South Dakota
With a winter weather advisory in effect across Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, and Pipestone Counties until midnight on Thursday, drivers should travel cautiously, taking note of slippery roads and fallen tree branches.
Pennsylvania
Mixed precipitation, light snow and ice is expected to hit the Keystone State, creating slippery roads and potentially hazardous commute conditions. Winter weather advisories remain in effect in eastern Preston and eastern Tucker Counties until 7.a.m. ET on Thursday and until 8.a.m. ET on Thursday in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
North Dakota
Portions of southeast North Dakota should prepare for winds gusting 40 mph, up to 8 inches of snow, and what the NWS describes as "treacherous and potentially life-threatening" travel conditions. Roads, bridges and overpasses are expected to be particularly hazardous, while whiteout conditions are set to disrupt commutes throughout Thursday.
Winter weather advisories also cover large swathes of the state, including the state capital Bismarck.
Wisconsin
Much of the Badger State has been issued with a winter storm warning, with as much as 8 inches of snow expected to fall across Clark, Taylor, Buffalo, Jackson, and Trempealeau Counties.
"A clipper type system will bring the first widespread accumulating snow to the region from this morning through early Friday morning," the NWS said.
The highest amounts of snow are forecast to hit north of Interstate 94 making travel in the region difficult and hazardous. The warning remains in effect until Friday 3.a.m. CST.
Winter weather advisories have also been issued in several counties including Milwaukee, the state's largest.
Maryland and District of Columbia
Mixed precipitation, light snow, and ice, as well as 35 mph winds, are expected to disrupt travel across the Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington D.C. region throughout Thursday morning. Drivers should plan for slippery road conditions and light freezing drizzle around sunrise. A winter weather advisory has been issued by the NWS until 7.a.m. ET on Thursday.
Montana
Residents in northeast Montana will have to battle winds gusting as high as 60 mph, blowing snow and icy surfaces as they travel on Thursday. Drivers should be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses which will be slick and hazardous as a result of snowfall and ice.
A winter weather advisory is set to remain in place until 5.a.m. MST on Thursday.
Minnesota
According to the NWS, "a well-organized winter storm will bring widespread accumulating snow to the region through this evening," causing travel disruptions to much of central and southern Minnesota.
Snowfall between 5 and 7 inches is set to combine with strong winds, causing blowing snow and potentially reduced visibility, especially across western and southwestern Minnesota. In the event that travel is necessary, drivers are advised to carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles. Residents can call 511 or visit 511mn.org for updates on road conditions.
Winter weather advisories also cover several cities, including Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, and Owatonna.
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