Winter Storm Lola To Bring Threat of Blizzard Conditions, Strong Winds to Plains and Midwest This Week
Overview: Winter Storm Lola blizzard conditions winter storm warnings Plains Midwest.This week, the United States will experience a powerful winter storm, Winter Storm Lola, which will bring a combination of severe weather conditions across the Plains, Midwest, and even parts of the Deep South. As the storm progresses, areas in the Central Plains and upper Midwest are expected to face dangerous winter weather, including blizzard conditions, strong winds, and snow. Winter weather alerts have already been issued by the National Weather Service, and a serious disruption to travel is expected.
The system has been named Winter Storm Lola by The Weather Channel, and it is expected to bring snow, strong winds, and hazardous conditions to numerous regions over the next few days.Winter Storm Lola blizzard conditions winter storm warnings Plains Midwest.
Current Status of Winter Storm Lola:
Winter weather alerts are currently in place from the Rockies to the Central Plains and upper Midwest. This includes blizzard warnings for portions of northeast Colorado and western Nebraska. There are also winter storm watches issued for several areas in the Plains and upper Midwest, and these may be upgraded to blizzard warnings as the storm progresses.
Although the storm won’t bring huge amounts of snow in terms of total accumulation, the combination of snow and high winds will create dangerous whiteout conditions, which will make travel extremely hazardous in affected areas. In mountain passes, visibility could be reduced to near zero, and travel is strongly discouraged.
Key Forecast for Winter Storm Lola:
Tuesday to Tuesday Night:
- Snow or rain will spread across the Central Plains and upper Midwest, transitioning to snow as the storm moves eastward. The transition could lead to dangerous travel conditions, particularly as wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph in the Central Plains.
- Gusty winds of 50 mph or more will create hazardous travel conditions across much of the affected regions. Mountain passes will experience especially severe weather.
Wednesday to Wednesday Night:
- The storm will continue to push east, with snow or rain turning to snow expected to affect areas in the Great Lakes and the Ohio River Valley by Wednesday night.
- The intensity of the winds and snow will remain high throughout the day, further disrupting travel and daily activities across these regions.
Snowfall Totals and Wind Gusts:
While snow accumulation from Winter Storm Lola is expected to remain relatively light in most areas, it’s the combination of snow and high winds that will lead to extremely hazardous conditions.
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Snowfall: In most places, snow accumulation will be less than 6 inches in the Central Plains and upper Midwest. However, there are likely to be narrow bands where heavier snowfalls may occur, leading to localized higher totals.
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Wind Gusts: Winds will be especially intense, reaching 50 to 70 mph in many areas. The gusty winds could turn even a small amount of snow into dangerous whiteout or blizzard conditions. Travelers should expect extremely reduced visibility and avoid being on the road unless absolutely necessary.Winter Storm Lola blizzard conditions winter storm warnings Plains Midwest.
Cities Affected:
The cities most likely to be impacted by the storm include Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. These cities could experience snow, ice, and severely reduced visibility. Strong winds are expected to make travel treacherous, especially on highways and mountain roads.
In addition, several areas in the Central Plains and upper Midwest are likely to see the most significant snow and wind conditions, including parts of Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. Drivers in these areas should prepare for the worst and remain cautious.
Safety Recommendations:
- Avoid Traveling: The National Weather Service strongly advises against traveling in areas under blizzard warnings or winter storm watches, as snow and winds will create dangerous whiteout conditions. Roads will be treacherous and could lead to accidents or entrapment in snowdrifts.
- Prepare for Power Outages: High winds could lead to power outages in some areas. It’s important to ensure you have emergency supplies such as flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local weather reports, and check for updates on weather alerts and road closures. Winter Storm Lola is a fast-moving system, and conditions may change rapidly.
Conclusion:
Winter Storm Lola is expected to bring significant disruptions to the Plains and Midwest, with blizzard conditions, high winds, and snowfall creating dangerous travel conditions. Residents in affected areas should prepare for hazardous weather, and travelers should consider postponing trips until conditions improve. The storm will continue to affect large portions of the country, and authorities recommend staying indoors and remaining informed of the latest developments.
