Dangerous Snow Squalls a Threat for Great Lakes and Appalachians

The sudden onset of hazardous conditions across much of the northern U.S. has prompted several Winter Weather Alerts from North Dakota to New York on Wednesday. Forecasters are warning that motorists across parts of the Midwest and Appalachians should be cognizant of the threat of rapidly changing weather conditions as a surge of Arctic air triggers snow squalls and lake-effect snow. Read on for the latest.

Winter Weather Alerts Issued for Millions of Americans as Snow Advances

Conditions are deteriorating along a 1,200-mile stretch from the northern Plains to the East Coast as advancing cold air pairs with plenty of moisture to set off snow squalls and other wintry impacts. Areas that dodge the wintry precipitation on Wednesday could see plummeting temperatures overnight that cause water on roads to freeze in time for the Thursday morning commute.

This weather maker is forecast to linger through Saturday, spreading snow and ice across a wide swath of the northern U.S. One of the most notable impacts on tap for the middle of the week is the high winds. Blizzard Warnings are now in effect for the higher terrains of West Virginia. Gusts could approach speeds of up to 65 mph, mixing with the snow to cause whiteout conditions.