Blizzard conditions are expected in the Midwest, as a massive winter storm system is threatening the region. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
A massive winter storm system is currently threatening the Midwest region. The city of Chicago could receive the worst of the storm with more than a foot of snow, and wind gusts of 50 miles per hour or more are anticipated. Whiteout conditions are possible.
Massive storm system bearing down on Midwest
The Midwest region is being threatened by a massive winter storm system that will bring blizzard conditions that could lead to near zero visibility and frigid conditions, according to Reuters. The storm system is developing over the eastern Rocky Mountains and will move over parts of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Heavy snowfall is anticipated in the lower areas of the Midwest, along with strong gusts of wind. The storm will bring sleet and ice, and thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible.
Chicago could receive brunt
The worst effects of the storm may hit the city of Chicago, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Chicago may receive more than 20 inches of snow and wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour, which officials have described as “life threatening.” A blizzard warning is in effect for areas of northern and western Illinois and bordering areas of Indiana. Lake Michigan could potentially flood in Lake and Cook counties as a result of snowfall into the lake. At least 8 inches of snow is anticipated by Tuesday morning. The most recent storm of a similar potential magnitude was recorded in 1999 by the National Weather Service, when 19 inches of snow fell in the Chicago area.
Punxsutawney Phil could see nothing but white
It is possible that Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck will see nothing but white, as the storm is expected to move to the East Coast after going through the Midwest. The storm will move from the Upper Midwest to the New England area by Wednesday, according to MSNBC. It should be arriving in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey close to Groundhog Day.
