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A multitude of states throughout the United States are under warnings for winter storms, with predictions of significant snowfall, strong gusts, and perilous travel circumstances from New Year’s Day until Thursday, January 2.
Snow accumulation is anticipated to range from 3 to 20 inches in various regions, alongside wind gusts expected to hit up to 55 mph. Officials are advising travelers to ready themselves for possible road closures, blinding snow conditions, and power interruptions.
Why It Is Significant
The alerts arise as numerous Americans are preparing to travel on Wednesday after celebrating the new year.
During the holiday season of 2023, travel across the United States reached near record heights, with AAA estimating that 115.2 million individuals would travel 50 miles or more from their residences from December 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
Scott Eisen/Getty Images
What To Understand
As of this writing, there are eight states currently under warnings for winter storms, including Colorado, West Virginia, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.
Officials are encouraging travelers to be prepared for possible road closures, blizzard conditions, and power disruptions.
Areas affected encompass the Denver vicinity in Colorado, the Pittsburgh district in Pennsylvania, southern Wyoming, and the eastern region of West Virginia will also be impacted.
Snowfall predictions differ from area to area, with the National Weather Service (NWS) indicating snow totals of up to 9 inches are feasible in West Virginia, while Wyoming is bracing for up to 20 inches of snowfall.
Powerful winds are projected nationwide, which could further intensify the snowy circumstances.
Travelers in all impacted regions are advised to carry emergency provisions, including flashlights, nourishment, and water, and to verify local road conditions prior to embarking on their journey.
What Others Are Stating
In a message on X, previously Twitter, the NWS announced: “A storm moving through the Northeast U.S. on New Year’s Day will deliver rain across southern New England and rain transitioning to snow throughout interior New England, the central Appalachians, and areas downwind of the Great Lakes, accompanied by widespread strong winds.”
The NWS Weather Prediction Center shared on X: “As we conclude 2024 and move into 2025, the above normal warmth across the eastern half of the U.S. will be swiftly supplanted by a series of Arctic outbreaks (…) with the coldest air of the season likely to settle in through the upcoming week.”
What Lies Ahead
The weather alerts will remain in effect until Thursday.
The alerts come in light of reports that a polar vortex may bring the coldest January the U.S. has experienced in several years.
A polar vortex consists of a flow of cold air and could result in severe weather conditions, including heavy snow and frigid temperatures that might impact travel and lead to school closures.
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