Winter Storm Blair Unleashes Heavy Snow and Ice Across Central & Eastern U.S.

A powerful winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions from the Plains to parts of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions, starting this weekend and continuing into Monday.

By Sheenu Gupta On Jan 4, 2025 Share with new partner:

A powerful winter storm, officially named Winter Storm Blair by The Weather Channel, is expected to sweep across a wide stretch of the central and eastern United States from this weekend into Monday. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy snowfall and significant ice accumulation, starting in the Plains before extending into portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. As the system moves eastward, it is likely to create dangerous travel conditions due to snow-covered roads, low visibility, and icy surfaces.

The freezing rain associated with this storm could lead to substantial ice buildup, posing a serious threat to trees and power lines. The weight of the ice may be heavy enough to cause tree limbs to snap and power lines to fail, increasing the risk of power outages in affected areas. Residents are advised to prepare for potential disruptions by securing emergency supplies, staying off the roads when possible, and monitoring weather updates closely as Winter Storm Blair progresses.

The winter storm is currently bringing widespread precipitation across the northern Rockies, with rain falling in lower elevations and significant snowfall accumulating in the mountain regions. As the storm system tracks southeastward from the Pacific, it continues to impact areas throughout the western United States with varying forms of wintry weather. By early Saturday, the storm is expected to advance further east, spreading snowfall into the Plains, where accumulating snow and icy conditions could create hazardous travel conditions. As the system progresses, residents in the affected areas should prepare for changing weather patterns, including the potential for heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and travel disruptions.

Winter Weather Alerts have been issued for several states, including Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, as a significant winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow or a dangerous mix of snow and ice starting late Saturday. This includes major cities such as Kansas City and St. Louis, where travel conditions will become hazardous, and the risk of power outages is high. Additionally, a winter storm warning is in effect for parts of Montana, where strong winds and blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility, making travel difficult and dangerous. Residents in these areas are urged to take precautions and stay updated on the latest weather warnings.

An ice storm warning has been issued for southern Missouri, where significant ice accumulation is expected from late Saturday through early Monday. The heavy icing will make roads impassable, and widespread power outages are anticipated in the affected areas. Residents are urged to prepare for dangerous conditions and disruptions to daily life.

Snow is expected to affect the northern and central Rockies, with snowfall and some ice extending into the Plains as the day progresses. By evening, wintry weather will spread further east, reaching the mid-Mississippi Valley overnight. Major cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita, Kansas, could experience increasingly dangerous travel conditions, particularly on Saturday evening, as snow and ice accumulate.

Heavy snow is expected to stretch from Kansas to West Virginia throughout the day, with gusty winds in some areas reducing visibility. Just south of the heaviest snowfall, a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow will impact regions from northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas to parts of the mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and Appalachians. Travel should be avoided in areas where snow and ice are predicted, including cities like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louisville, and St. Louis.

By Sunday night, the storm’s wintry weather will reach the mid-Atlantic, affecting Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., and creating increasingly hazardous travel conditions in those areas.

Commuters in the mid-Atlantic are likely to encounter wintry travel conditions as the new workweek begins, with snow continuing to impact parts of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. Cities like Baltimore, Charleston (West Virginia), Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. could experience conditions that lead to delays or closures due to snow and ice. By Monday night, the wintry weather is expected to taper off from west to east, but lingering snow and ice on the ground may still affect travel on Tuesday morning.

In the Central Plains and Midwest, at least 6 inches of snow is expected, particularly in areas shaded dark purple on the map, including northeast Kansas, parts of Missouri, central Illinois, southern Indiana, Ohio, and possibly northern Kentucky. Some of these regions could see more than a foot of snow where persistent snow bands occur.

In the mid-Atlantic, light to moderate snowfall is likely, with certain areas of the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metros potentially receiving up to 6 inches of snow. If sleet mixes in around the Washington, D.C. area, snowfall amounts may be lower. Further north, Philadelphia could also experience a few inches of accumulation.

Sleet and freezing rain are expected to be particularly troublesome from central and southern Kansas to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. Travel disruptions are likely, with freezing rain potentially causing damage in some areas. Locations in the darker pink and purple regions on the map could experience tree damage and scattered power outages. Stay updated on the latest conditions by checking weather.com and the Weather Channel app.