Northern States To Experience Extreme Cold, Second ‘Stronger’ Storm Threatens Central, Western US

KEY POINTS

Winter Storm Nancy will affect the upper Midwest early this week
Winter Storm Oaklee is expected to affect the central and western U.S. later in the week
The second storm is 'stronger' and is expected to bring in a 'wintry mess'

Two winter storms are set to affect multiple regions across the United States this week, with the first storm plunging temperatures below average in northern states and the second storm bringing snow and ice farther south later in the week.

In a Saturday notice, the U.S. Weather Prediction Center said temperatures “will be 10 to 20 degrees below average over the northern states by Monday morning.” The center also noted that heavy snow will fall along the Cascades on Monday evening, with a “risk of heavy rain, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms” during the coming days from the southern Plains to Tennessee Valleys.

The first of two storms is called Winter Storm Nancy.

A major winter storm will unfold over the Plains this evening and continue to evolve over the next 24 hours. This will move into the western Great Lakes region on Monday. Please see our Key Messages for more information. pic.twitter.com/kgtFOrwY6c
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 20, 2022

Throughout the week, it is expected that more than 15 million Americans will have to endure temperatures below zero, CNN reported. In the Upper Midwest, forecasters are expecting “a long period of snow and gusty northeast winds” to fall until Tuesday. Sleet, rain and freezing rain will then cover the Great Lakes region by Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, a 50% chance of precipitation is expected. Wind gusts could reach as high as 25 mph by late afternoon. Wisconsin, Sioux City, North Dakota, and some parts of Kansas have been forecasted to see at least six inches of snow, making travel difficult.

The National Weather Service in La Cross also warned that some areas in the Northern High Plains and the Western Great Lakes could see more than 12 inches of snow.

A long duration winter storm will bring a mixture of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to portions of the Plains and Great Lakes starting this evening. Total snowfall will likely exceed 6", with more than 12" possible is some areas. Locally significant icing will also be a threat. pic.twitter.com/RER4xj6Dma
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 20, 2022

Following Winter Storm Nancy’s rampage is Winter Storm Oaklee, which The Weather Channel dubbed as “a second, stronger disturbance later in the week.” Oaklee will bring a “fresh blast of Arctic cold air” from southern Canada into the West and the central U.S. later this week and is expected to bring cold weather into the East next week.

Winter Storm Oaklee also looks to bring a “wintry mess” into some parts of Kansas and Missouri before it moves to Oklahoma and parts of northern Texas. While weather forecasters believe it’s too early to pinpoint the exact effects of Oaklee, it is expected that the winter storm will usher in snow and ice into the Northeast and the Ohio Valley.