Powerful Winter Storm Taking Shape Across the Upper Midwest

A major winter storm is beginning to form and will take aim at the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Sunday into Monday. 

A broad and unorganized area of low pressure will move through the Rockies today and will emerge onto the Plains by early Sunday. This same feature was part of the storm system that brought heavy rain and mountain snow to portions of California over the past few days. 

This low pressure system will strengthen throughout the day on Sunday as it heads toward the western Great Lakes. As it does so, it will draw plenty of fresh cold air southward into the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Light snow will spread across the northern Plains Sunday morning and will become heavier across the Upper Midwest Sunday afternoon as the low pressure system strengthens.

The result will be a potential major storm across portions of the Midwest and Great Lakes Sunday into Monday. Snow accumulations of two to 6 inches will be common across northern Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The highest snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches will be possible over northern Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

Winter Storm Watches have been issued across northern Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Additional advisories will likely be issued across the region later today in advance of this system.

Along with the snow, gusty winds will develop Sunday afternoon into Monday. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph will be likely, creating blizzard conditions at times. These winds will also cause considerable blowing and drifting of snow. 

As this storm system races eastward into eastern Canada on Monday, it will drag an Arctic cold front through the eastern Great Lakes and into the Northeast, sending temperatures sharply downward. Lake Effect snow showers will likely persist into Tuesday for many locations downwind of the Great Lakes. 

Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage.