Winter Storm Garnett Threatens 27 States

The Digital Artisan -

Winter Storm Garnett: A Major Weather Event

The United States is preparing to face significant weather disruption as Winter Storm Garnett, a major winter storm, is expected to unleash up to a foot of snow across 27 states. This event follows closely on the heels of Winter Storm Freya, which already impacted many of the same regions, increasing the urgency of preparations for those in the storm's path.

States to be Affected

The storm, expected to begin its journey Friday, will spread from the Northern Plains to the Upper Midwest and eventually reach the East Coast by Saturday. The states at potential risk include:

  • North and South Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Oklahoma
  • Minnesota, Iowa
  • Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky, Tennessee
  • Indiana, Michigan, Ohio
  • West Virginia
  • North Carolina and Pennsylvania
  • Delaware, New Jersey
  • New York, Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island, Connecticut
  • Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

In preparation, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued weather alerts for approximately 30 million residents across these regions, emphasizing the potential for mixed precipitation and significant ice accumulation.

Preparing for Garnett

The NWS advises residents to avoid travel wherever possible. However, if it is unavoidable, travelers should carry a comprehensive winter storm kit containing:

  • A shovel
  • A flashlight
  • Blankets and extra clothing
  • A first aid kit
  • Food and water supplies

It's crucial for those in high-impact areas to prepare for possible power outages, with significant ice expected to accumulate, especially impacting parts of the Upper Ohio Valley, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Weather Conditions and Impact

Additional snow is expected in the Northeast through Sunday before the storm moves offshore. AccuWeather meteorologists predict snowfall amounts of six to 12 inches in a central band spanning from the eastern Dakotas to Boston, Massachusetts. This includes key cities such as Minneapolis and Green Bay, which might see up to 18 inches locally.

A broader region, including cities like Buffalo and Burlington, should brace for accumulations of three to six inches. Meanwhile, one to three inches are anticipated in Bismarck, Fargo, Sioux Falls, and Detroit.

Alongside snowfall, a swath of sleet and freezing rain from Iowa to the New England coast raises the risk of hazardous ice accumulation, posing further threats of power outages and travel disruptions.

The Bigger Picture: A Series of Winter Storms

Garnett is part of a series of storms affecting the eastern U.S. with persistent severe winter conditions expected to last through mid-February. Following Garnett, another storm system is anticipated from Texas to the mid-Atlantic, continuing to challenge resources and preparations in these regions.