Is Another Big Snowstorm About to Hit the Mid-West?

Credit: ABC News. A woman puts a scarf over her head to try and keep the snow off in Hoboken, N.J., March 7, 2018.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A winter storm is forecasted to hit the Midwest and East Coast on Friday.
This will be the second wave of a nationwide winter storm.
This storm is expected to drop freezing rain and sleet leaving dangerous, icy roads.
Pending road closures in areas of the upper East Coast and the Midwest.

Midwest Weather Forecast is threatening heavy snowfall, severe flooding, strong winds and thunderstorms this weekend into next week. A winter storm watch has already been issued from Colorado to Michigan, including Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit.

How Severe Will the Storm be?

More than 1 foot of snow is possible between Chicago and Indianapolis and also near Detroit. Earlier this week snow fell across areas in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona with up to 2 feet of snow. ABC News also reported the wind chill plunged on Wednesday morning to minus 18 in Chicago, minus 32 degrees in Minneapolis, minus 29 in Green Bay and minus 13 in Indianapolis.

Six to 12 inches of snow is expected for parts of the Rockies, as well as from Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle into Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Michigan.

Meanwhile, Snowfall from 8-14 inches is being predicted in the Northeast – it will be thawing out, with temperatures rising to the mid 40’s in New York City and Boston.

How to Stay Safe Outside In Cold as Frigid Temperatures Hit?

While the best case is not being outside at all – since prolonged exposure or those not dressed appropriately for the weather are in danger of frostbite and hypothermia – if you have symptoms of frost-nip or frostbite, keep the area covered and don’t rub your hands as rubbing actually causes tissue damage. If you can, always get rid of wet clothes and wear sufficient head gear because that’s where majority of heat gets lost.

Getting behind the wheel can be very dangerous in these conditions. However, for truckers and road users who do anyway, do basic pre-trip inspections before you hit the road such as Checking your battery, windshield and wiper blades and keep your gas tank at least half full. Winter weather can cause unexpected traffic delays, using more gas than you may have anticipated.

Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread. Colder weather typically requires increasing tire pressure. You will also want to ensure you have emergency contact details and prepare a Winter Emergency Kit.