A moderate winter storm developing over the Four Corners on Tuesday is expected to spread heavy snow across the Plains and into the Upper Midwest by Thursday, and sleet and freezing rain are possible along the route, meteorologists say.
“This heavy snow and mixed precipitation, especially where combined with strong winds, could result in hazardous travel conditions and impacts to infrastructure,” the National Weather Service said.
Much colder temperatures – and some possible near record lows over the Southwest – were expected in the wake of the storm, the service said.
Snow, sleet, freezing rain in Sunday forecast for Southeast
Meanwhile, “dreary cold rain” was falling over the Mid-Atlantic states Sunday as winter weather advisories and storm warnings were in effect in parts of the southern and central Appalachians, where snow, sleet and freezing rain were expected, the National Weather Service said.
The heaviest snow accumulations were expected from western North Carolina to western Virginia, according to AccuWeather. The outlet reported about 3 to 6 inches of snow may fall, and up to 24 inches was possible along some of the highest ridges and peaks.
Parts of Virginia saw ice and freezing rain early Sunday, the National Weather Service of Blacksburg, Virginia, wrote on Twitter. “Stay safe if you have to travel,” the service said.
‘Unsettled’ weather to spread with 2 storms forecast
The weather service warned Sunday that “unsettled” weather is expected to expand over the next couple of days.
The significant change in the weather is from the arrival of two storms with one system currently moving through the Southwest, the weather service said. The second storm may have a “heightened” risk of hazardous and violent conditions, according to AccuWeather.
Heavy mountain snows are forecast for the West, specifically over the Four-Corners and along the Cascades, according to the weather service. Showers and thunderstorms will hit the Central and Southern Plains Monday night into Tuesday.
AccuWeather said the second storm could bring a significant tornado threat over portions of the South.
Above-normal temperatures around the corner for Mid-Atlantic
High temperatures were expected to be much cooler than average Sunday from the interior Mid-Atlantic down into Florida, the National Weather Service said. But meteorologists predict they’ll rebound quickly to above normal levels behind the storm on Monday with the return of sunshine.