Winter Storm Blair Coverage
Winter Storm Blair, the first named winter storm of 2025, is poised to blanket 40 states in heavy snow and ice, affecting around 250 million people. An Arctic Outbreak caused by the polar vortex is responsible for the plunging temperatures, with snow accumulations expected between 6 to 12 inches in various regions. Cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Cincinnati should prepare for hazardous driving conditions. With lows forecasted to drop significantly across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic, safety measures and travel updates are crucial as the storm progresses.
The first named winter storm of 2025, Winter Storm Blair, is set to cover a whopping 40 states in heavy snow and ice starting this Saturday! According to the Weather Channel and the National Weather Service, this storm is set to impact about 250 million people. So, if you were thinking of hitting the road, you might want to think twice and keep the cozy blankets handy!
So, what’s behind this chilly chaos? An Arctic Outbreak, caused by the polar vortex, is sending freezing temperatures soaring southward into the continental U.S. This brings significant drops in temperature across the region. The jet stream has been forced south by some high-pressure systems, creating a perfect storm for winter weather lovers and serious travel headaches!
Get your snow shovels ready! Snow is expected to start blanketing the northern and central Rockies, along with the Plains, beginning Saturday. And yes, this storm isn’t picky — it plans to stretch its icy fingers down as far as the mid-Mississippi Valley. Major cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita are bracing for hazardous driving conditions for folks planning a weekend trip.
By Sunday, Winter Storm Blair will have made its way eastward, affecting places like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville. These cities should be prepared for frustrating travel conditions as the snowfall continues to wreak havoc.
Snow accumulations could reach between 6 to 12 inches in many of the affected areas, which is plenty of reason to stay indoors with hot cocoa! Lows could drop to astonishing temperatures, with parts of Texas and Oklahoma forecasting dips into the 20s and 30s as soon as January 6th. Imagine Dallas at 23°F, New Orleans at 33°F, and Atlanta at a chilling 21°F. Miami, you’re not entirely escaping the chill either, with lows dipping down to 46°F.
Some parts of the Plains and Ohio Valley might even experience lows reaching 0°F. And if you think that’s cold, brace yourself — the Midwest and mid-Atlantic are looking at a temperature drop of around 12°F to 25°F below average for at least two weeks!
This storm doesn’t just come with snow; there’s a serious potential for significant icing too! Folks in eastern Kansas, the Ozarks, and parts of the Ohio Valley need to be particularly cautious due to hazardous sleet and freezing rain that could impact travel and power lines.
And if you happen to be traveling across this wide region, be prepared for the possibility of whiteout conditions in the Central Plains. Travel conditions are forecasted to be extremely dangerous, so it’s best to stay updated and plan accordingly!
As we head into Monday, big cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Charleston, S.C. will also feel the effects of this storm. The coldest January we’ve seen in the U.S. since 2011 is on the horizon, so grab those snow boots and gloves!
Don’t forget that the Federal Aviation Administration is monitoring the storm as well, so travelers should keep an eye on flight updates as the situation develops. With conditions like this, it’s always best to stay informed wherever you are!
Bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the winter wonderland if you can — just don’t forget your shovel!
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