by AAmericans across the country are bracing for a massive winter storm that will bring significant snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wind across the northern US from California to Maine Tuesday through Friday.
The storm will also be “extremely disruptive to travel,” with blizzard conditions expected in parts of the West and Midwest, the National Weather Service said. warning.
Winter Weather warnings were sent to 22 states on Tuesday, with snowfall accumulating in areas including the northern Rockies, Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.
So far, multiple airlines have already issued travel waivers for people flying to and from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the area prepares for the possibility of record snow levels. Other airports are also likely to be affected.
Here’s what to know about the winter storm’s path and how it will affect you.
What is the path of the storm?
The storm began its path along the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Rockies. More than 13 million people were under a winter storm watch with up to two feet of snow expected in the mountains.
By late Tuesday, AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski says, it’s likely to snow as far east as Minneapolis. The Twin Cities will be beaten three day winter storm which will begin with lighter precipitation in western Minnesota and affect the Wednesday morning commute. The second round of snow will hit around noon tomorrow and last until Thursday. Wind gusts will be around 35-45 mph, making travel difficult.
Cities including Salt Lake City will also be affected as cooler air and lower temperatures overnight. A band of heavy snow will affect the Wasatch Front, a region in north-central Utah, starting this afternoon before tapering off Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service said. reports.
The storm will reach Chicago around noon Wednesday, when possible freezing rain and thunderstorms are expected. That can lead to power outages, according to Pydynowski.
Snow will reach the east late Wednesday, affecting mainly central England and parts of Upstate New York. Accuweather reports that the northern areas of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are getting the most snow. Anywhere from a foot to 18 inches of snow is expected.
However, most of the snow and ice will worsen in New York City. “There could be some rain for a while on Thursday,” Pydynowski tells TIME, “But in terms of any kind of winter precipitation from this storm, we’re going to miss out on that and that’s probably going to happen.” probably to our north.”
How will travel be affected?
A flurry of airline cancellations and delays are likely in the days ahead, with heavy snowfall and wintry weather affecting cities like Minneapolis for several days.
In terms of air production, Delta is offering travel waivers throughout Minnesota airports. Customers rebooking travel on or before February 27 will have their fare difference waived. If unable to reschedule within these dates, customers can cancel their booking and use their refund towards a new ticket. Travel should be completed within one year of the original date of issue.
Southwest’s waiver is in effect from Feb. 20-22 for people flying to Bozeman/Yellowstone, Mont., Colorado Springs, Colo., Denver, Colo., Minneapolis, Minn., Salt Lake City, Utah and others. Travelers can book their flight for free within 2 weeks of the original travel date.
United Airlines is offering two winter waivers. The first concerns flyers who were hoping to travel from February 21-22 in the Midwest area. Change fees and price differences will be waived for rebooked flights for flights departing on or before 26 February. Travelers who had planned tips from February 22-23 are also eligible for a waiver. Their list of airports is much more extensive, including Buffalo, NY, Madison, Wis., Cleveland, Ohio and more.
Major airports throughout the Great Lakes will also be affected, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Milwaukee General International Airport, and Detroit Metro Airport.
Boston’s Logan Airport could be affected by ice and snow from Wednesday night into early Thursday, but likely only slightly, Pydynowski tells TIME. However, in the Big Apple, where mild temperatures marked the second warmest January on record, Pyndnowski says only flight delays from other airports will be affected, as the region is unlikely to experience any severe winter weather.
Roads are also likely to become treacherous.
Blizzard warnings are in effect in Montana, among others dangerous avalanche conditions in the Bridger Range. Current snow in the state ranges from four to 12 inches.
Snow has already started falling on Interstate 90 in Minnesota. The National Weather Service warned that the drifting snow would affect visibility and wind gusts could bring down tree branches. “Weather conditions are expected to become dangerous over the next few days,” said Minnesota State Patrol. “Our soldiers are ready to respond. Help them by staying home.”
Snowplow crews and emergency crews in Wisconsin are preparing to respond if needed, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The department is asking people to drive slowly, reduce speed, and allow extra distance during the current storm.
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