Weather Outside Your Window: January 2019

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Snowstorm to threaten mid-Atlantic, New England before major freeze-up at midweek

By Kyle Elliott, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 27, 2019, 7:06:06 PM EST

Before the worst Arctic outbreak so far this winter sweeps into the northeastern United States, a disruptive snowstorm is eyeing a large portion of the northeastern United States by midweek.

The snowstorm threat is being preceded by snow showers and heavier squalls pressing across the Northeast's interior to end the weekend.

After the snow showers depart the Northeast by Monday, the same storm system bringing heavy snow and travel disruptions to the Midwest into Monday will weaken as it tracks toward the eastern Great Lakes and northern mid-Atlantic by Monday night.

However, a strong cold front extending southward from the storm will penetrate the whole way to the central Gulf Coast.

It is along the tail end of this front that a second storm system may form later Monday night and strengthen as it tracks rapidly northeastward toward eastern New England by Tuesday night.

Latest indications continue to suggest that the storm will develop, but its exact track, intensity and potential interaction with the first system will determine how expansive heavy snow will be across the Northeast.

"At the time, AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned for rain to change to 1-3 inches of snow around Washington, D.C., and Baltimore Tuesday evening with the snowstorm ramping up as it spreads over eastern New York and northern and western New England," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

It is in western Massachusetts and much of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine that at least 6 to 12 inches of snow appears most likely. Similar totals are anticipated in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

"A stronger storm can push the AccuWeather Local StormMax™ to 18 inches in these areas," Pydynowski said. "In this scenario, snow totals can exceed 6 inches in northeastern Pennsylvania."

"While the snow will be a boon to the ski industry, travel can become extremely slow and difficult in these areas," she added.

"Blizzard conditions may even develop in northern New England if the storm strengthens enough," according to AccuWeather Chief Video Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

Snow will first spread into the central Appalachians and upstate New York later Monday night into Tuesday.

The heaviest snow will wait until Tuesday night before reaching New England but should depart by Wednesday afternoon.

In the Interstate-95 cities from Boston to New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., a brief spike in temperatures is expected to cause precipitation to start as rain before a changeover to snow Tuesday evening and night.

"Travel can deteriorate around Washington, D.C., and Baltimore during the Tuesday evening commute as the rain changes to snow," Pydynowski said. "Roads can turn from wet to slushy and icy during that time as temperatures plunge to and below freezing."

If the cold air catches up to the back edge of the rain quickly, then a couple inches of snow can turn areas from Philadelphia to New York City and Boston into a skating rink by Wednesday morning.

Residents may only have a short window to clear any slush as the harshest Arctic outbreak this winter freezes everything solid by Wednesday morning.

Depending on the amount of snowfall, many schools may be forced to delay start times or even close on Wednesday.

Even if only a small amount of snow falls, pedestrians will have to use extra caution in parking lots and on sidewalks as any snow, slush or wet spots quickly turn to ice Wednesday morning.

Motorists traveling through the storm will likely face major delays and may need to allot several extra hours to reach their travel destinations.

Lengthy airport delays may not only be felt imminently in many of the major cities of the I-95 corridor, but also throughout a large portion of the country.

As the system intensifies in New England, gusty winds will both accompany and follow the snowstorm and lead to localized whiteouts, ground blizzards and power outages.

It may take a long time for any snow that falls from the system to melt as AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures dip to dangerously low levels by the middle of the week, producing a whole new array of hazards.

Download the free AccuWeather app to see how much snow is expected to fall in your community.

Winter storms create a unique set of challenges in the Northeast compared to other areas of the country. Great minds often come together to face the challenge. AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Dombek joins WABC New York's Chief Meteorologist, Lee Goldberg to talk about their years of collaboration taking on the big storms.

Snowstorm to bring difficult travel along I-90, I-94 corridors of midwestern US into Monday

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 27, 2019, 3:31:05 PM EST

Before enduring the harshest cold in years, Minneapolis and Chicago are among the cities where a snowstorm will bring slow and difficult travel and disruptions to daily routines through Monday.

Snow diving into the northern Plains is expected to sweep eastward to the Great Lakes through Monday.

Enough snow can fall along this swath for plans and activities to be altered or canceled. Schools may be forced to use another snow day on Monday, and people may have difficulties getting to work.

More than 150 flights have already been canceled for Monday at Chicago's Midway International Airport, according to FlightAware.

"The storm is expected to drop a swath of 6-12 inches of snow along the corridor from Fargo, North Dakota, to Minneapolis; Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Grand Rapids and Traverse City, Michigan," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

Within this corridor across southeastern Minnesota to the lower peninsula of Michigan, there can be an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 18 inches.

"The track of the storm should bring a disparity in snow totals to Chicagoland with 6 inches or more expected near the Wisconsin border to 1-3 inches in the far southern suburbs," according to Pydynowski.

Even though the heaviest snow will fall north of Chicago and Detroit, there can still be enough snow to cause slick travel. A travel nightmare can be anticipated in Chicago with the snow anticipated during the Monday morning commute.

Residents of Chicago and Detroit should not let their guard down despite missing out on the highest snow totals and temperatures climbing above freezing for a time on Monday. Slushy areas can become icy and freeze solid as the Arctic air blasts in behind the storm.

Stretches of interstates 29, 35, 75, 80, 90, 94 and 96 could be severely affected by the storm.

"The snow north of the storm's track will be powdery, which will help ease the hardships of shoveling amid the frigid conditions," Pydynowski said.

However, gusty winds whipping in with the storm can blow around the light and fluffy snow, creating blowing and drifting concerns as well as whiteouts on the roadways.

Strong winds will whip through the High Plains even in the absence of snow, with gusts past 50 mph possible from eastern Montana to Nebraska and Kansas through Monday.

Such winds threaten to overturn high-profile vehicles on interstates 70, 80, 90 and 94.

“There can be significant disruptions to air travel, especially with the snow targeting Chicago for the Monday morning commute,” said Pydynowski. “Delays and cancellations at this major hub can impact those flying elsewhere across the U.S.”

Air travel can also be severely affected in Minneapolis and Detroit.

Download the free AccuWeather app to see just how much snow will accumulate in your area.

Snow will not just be confined to the Midwest. The storm will also unleash a quick-hitting shot of snow along the spine of the Rockies, whitening Denver on Monday morning.

Brutal cold will plunge into the nation’s midsection as the threat for snow focuses on the South and the Northeast.

The cold can catch up to the tail end of the storm quickly enough for rain to changeover to snow in portions of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and into part of the South from Monday night to Tuesday.

Even if no snow falls, wet sidewalks and roads can rapidly freeze and turn icy as the Arctic blast rushes in.

The impending cold is expected to be the harshest in years across the Midwestwith records set to fall and AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures anticipated to plunge to under 40 below zero F in many communities.

6 unexpected ways winter affects your health

By Stephanie Koons, AccuWeather staff writer

Cold weather can cause or aggravate a myriad of health conditions.

While people tend to focus on common ailments such as cold and flu, there are lesser-known health risks that are associated with winter.

1. Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell. According to Dr. Jeahan Colletti, an emergency medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, extreme cold weather causes airways to tighten, making breathing even more difficult for individuals who suffer from asthma.

In addition, cold weather increases the respiratory rate, which leads many people to breathe through their mouths. As a result, cold, dry air enters the lungs and causes inflammation of the airways.

(LSOphoto/iStock/Thinkstock)

Those who suffer from asthma should keep an inhaler close at all times, Colletti said. She also recommended that asthma sufferers wear scarves around their faces to warm the air before they breathe it into their lungs to prevent airway inflammation.

2. Allergies

Most people think of spring with its high pollen counts as prime time for allergies. However, according to WebMD, many warm weather irritants like pet dander, mold and mildew are around all year.

(Moodboard/iStock/Thinkstock)

Since people tend to spend more time indoors in confined spaces during the winter, Colletti said, their exposure to these elements spikes. To combat the spread of allergens, people should wash their hands and face frequently. She also advised vacuuming the house and washing bedding often.

3. Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis, all of which involve inflammation of the joints.

“During the winter months, every single (arthritis patient) comes in with significantly more pain,” Dr. Houman Danesh, director of Integrative Pain Management for Mount Sinai Hospital, said.

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According to Danesh, a rise in barometric pressure (the pressure exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere) during the winter months exacerbates arthritis symptoms and other joint and spine issues. To counteract stiffness in the joints, he recommended stretching and conducting tension release exercises.

He also said it’s important to use a humidifier and make an extra effort to stay hydrated in the winter, since heaters suck out the moisture in the air. Hydration is essential to maintain overall joint health.

(blyjack/iStock/Thinkstock)

4. Frostbite

Many people have some knowledge of frostbite--an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.

However, according to Colletti, not as many people may be aware of how quickly and easily frostbite can strike. The first stage of frostbite is frostnip, which occurs when skin pales or turns red and feels very cold.

The second stage of frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale. As frostbite progresses, it affects all layers of the skin, including the tissues that lie below.

To prevent frostbite, Colletti advised to keep all areas of the body covered—especially fingers, ears, nose and chin. She said that mittens are better than gloves, and recommends thick socks, waterproof boots and loose layers.

(ArtShotPhoto/iStock/Thinkstock)

Not many people may be aware that frostbite can even affect the eyes. “If you’re in a high-wind area, you can get freezing of the cornea,” Colletti said.

Skiers and snowboarders are particularly at risk for getting frostbite in their eyes, she added, and she advises wearing goggles to counteract that risk.

5. Heart attack and stroke

The number of heart attacks climbs during the winter, according to the American Heart Association.

This could be due in part to the number of people who have to shovel snow in colder climates, but the increase is consistent even in warmer climates where there isn’t much snow.

Arteries constrict in response to cold, Colletti said, cutting down blood flow and forcing your heart to work harder.

(Minerva Studio/iStock/Thinkstock)

People who have heart disease shouldn’t be shoveling snow, Colletti said, and one should stop immediately if experiencing any symptoms. She also said that people, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, should maintain an active lifestyle and healthy diet during the winter months.

6. Seasonal Affective Disorder

About one in five Americans experience a form of the winter blues called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to fastmed.com. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, fatigue, a lack of energy and thoughts of suicide.

The causes of SAD are still unknown, but some experts link the condition to an imbalance in serotonin and melatonin, the chemicals in the brain that regulate sleep, mood and energy levels.

(jrwasserman/iStock/Thinkstock)

For people suffering from SAD, Colletti recommended getting outside during sunny days and participating in activities that boost mood.

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.

Another winter storm to bring widespread rain, snow to western Europe

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

January 27, 2019, 12:26:29 PM EST

Another winter storm moving across western Europe into the middle of the week will bring widespread rain and snow across France, Germany and the UK.

After areas of snow fell across northern and central Europe over the weekend, another winter storm will spread rain and snow across much of western Europe.

Rain will first spread across France and southern Britain on Tuesday as a strengthening area of low pressure slams into western France. In addition to rain causing travel disruptions in western France on Tuesday, AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys adds, "Wind gusts of 80-95 km/h (50-60 mph) can sweep across western France into Tuesday night bringing the risk for power outages."

As Tuesday transitions to Tuesday night and rain advances into much of southern England, Belguim and eastern France, including in London, Brussels and Paris, colder air will lead to rain mixing with and changing to snow in many communities.

In Paris, snow can accumulate 3-8 cm (1-3 inches) from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The Wednesday morning commute in not only Paris, but in many communities across eastern France into Belgium and southern-most England, can be slowed by snow and slush-packed roadways.

Greater London can see 2-5 cm (an inch or two) of snow accumulate on Tuesday night. Snow is expected to end by Wednesday morning, though some roads may still be slick through the morning.

Roys expects as much as 8-15 cm (3-6 inches) of snow to accumulate in the hardest-hit locations from central and eastern France to Luxembourg and southern Belgium.

Even in southern France, a slushy snow accumulation of 2-5 cm (an inch or two) is expected in Lyon.

As moisture spreads into western Germany and the Netherlands from Tuesday night and into Wednesday, light snow will fall from Amsterdam to Cologne leading to minor travel delays.

Any snow that falls will likely not stick around for very long as temperatures rise above freezing each day through the rest of the week.

Although snow will melt, where temperatures fall below freezing at night, there will be the risk for any water on roads and sidewalks to refreeze.

Polar vortex to bring prolonged, life-threatening cold outbreak to midwestern US this week

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

January 27, 2019, 3:22:26 PM EST

The coldest weather in years will put millions of people and animals throughout the midwestern United States at risk for frostbite to occur in minutes and hypothermia during the final days of January.

The deep freeze continued across the Upper Midwest on Sunday with temperatures plummeting well below zero in the morning. The low of 45 below zero F in International Falls, Minnesota, shattered the day’s record of 36 below zero F from 1966.

As harsh as Sunday morning was, the worst is yet to come as the polar vortexgets displaced from the Arctic Circle and dives into the Midwest in the wake of the disruptive snowstorm starting this week.

In addition to the risks of frostbite and hypothermia, residents will be faced with high heating costs and the potential for frozen and bursting water pipes, dead car batteries and school closures.

The cold can be life-threatening for any person or animal without a proper way to stay warm.

The Arctic blast will plunge across the Midwest early this week with the most extreme conditions anticipated at midweek.

"Some locations in the Midwest will be below zero continuously for 48-72 hours," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike Doll.

The harshest conditions are anticipated from North Dakota to northern Illinois, where there can be a prolonged stretch of dangerously low AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures that can cause frostbite in mere minutes.

On Tuesday night, widespread lows under 30 below zero will grip much of North Dakota, eastern South Dakota and Minnesota. Temperatures in Chicago can drop to 20 below zero for the first time since the mid-1990s.

Little recovery in temperatures is expected on Wednesday with highs stopping well short of rising above 10 below zero from Fargo, North Dakota, to Minneapolis and Chicago. Highs in the single digits will have those from Kansas City, Missouri, to St. Louis to Cincinnati, Ohio, and Pittsburgh shivering.

Wednesday night can be just as cold, if not colder than Tuesday night in many areas.

As biting winds usher in the Arctic blast, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures can drop under 40 below zero from Fargo to Minneapolis and Chicago on Tuesday night and hold there into at least Wednesday night.

“I cannot stress how dangerously cold it will be,” Doll stated. "An entire generation has gone by without experiencing this type of cold in the Chicago area."

The cold can shatter records both during the day and at night as temperatures are held 20 to 40 degrees below normal.

Download the free AccuWeather app to see just how cold it will get in your area.

Residents will once again have to take the proper precautions and cover all exposed skin to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. The homeless should be encouraged to stay in shelters.

“However, homeless shelters will likely fill up quickly,” added Doll.

Be sure that livestock have sufficient means to stay warm and limit time that pets venture outside.

Residents should ensure that they have a proper amount of propane, wood pellets and/or firewood to last during this cold outbreak. A life-threatening situation can arise in homes that lose heat.

Motorists should travel with a winter survival kit in the event their vehicle breaks down and are then forced to wait for help.

Amid the cold, a prolonged lake-effect snow and squall event can create other travel hazards downwind of the Great Lakes. More ice jams can form along area rivers, raising the risk of flooding in nearby communities.

While the harshest conditions are anticipated across the Midwest, the Arctic blast will spread to the Northeast and South to close out January.

Thursday can rival the cold blast from earlier last week as the harshest so far this winter along the Northeast’s I-95 corridor. The day can start with lows in the single digits from Boston to New York City to Baltimore with highs only in the teens or lower 20s.

As is the case in the Midwest, RealFeel® Temperatures will be dangerously lower due to the wind.

Weather Outside Your Window