Winter Weather Warnings for 13 States Amid Snow Squalls

Millions of people across the Northeast and Midwest are hunkering down as frigid winter weather and thick snow heads their way.

Winter Weather Advisories have been issued across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, as well as small sections of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Whiteout conditions may also occur in these areas, making for hazardous traveling on the roads.

Additionally, Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin.

There are also small areas of Maryland, northwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia and under Blizzard Warnings.

"A strengthening clipper storm will shift across southeastern Canada Wednesday and Thursday with an arctic cold front crossing the Great Lakes and Northeast which will produce intense bursts of snow and gusty winds," the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a statement.

What do Winter Weather Advisories Mean?

Winter Weather Advisories are issued when "any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning."

A Winter Storm Warning is given when there are five inches or more of snow within a 12-hour period, or seven or more inches within a 24-hour period, as well as a "life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind."

In areas affected by the Winter Weather Advisories, snowfall of up to six inches is forecast for New York, with as much as nine inches expected for parts of Maine. Additionally, these areas are forecast to see strong wind gusts as high as 55 mph.

Winter Weather may Impact Travel

"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact both the morning and evening commute today. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches," the National Weather Service's Albany office warned.

"Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibilities during snow showers and any snow squalls during the day today.

"Be advised that snow squalls this morning can lead to quick snow accumulations and brief whiteout conditions leading to hazardous travel conditions."

For areas under the Winter Storm Warnings, up to seven inches of snow may fall in Indiana, eight in Maine, eight inches in Michigan and as much as 11 inches in parts of New York.

In some parts of Michigan and Wisconsin, visibility may drop below 1/4 mile due to the snowstorms.

"A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely dangerous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the National Weather Service Caribou office advised.

"Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat," the National Weather Service Northern Indiana office said.

A Blizzard Warning is issued when winds are 35 mph or higher, and blowing snow reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer.

"Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches north of I-90 increasing to 12 to 20 inches with locally higher amounts south of I-90," the National Weather Service Cleveland office forecast.

Additionally, "lake effect snow" is expected in parts of New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania bordering Lake Erie. This phenomena occurs when cold, dry air moves over a large, warmer body of water and can result in bands of heavy, localized snowstorms.

"Additional snow accumulations between 10 and 20 inches with higher amounts possible where bands are most persistent," National Weather Service Cleveland OH said.

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