The snowstorm headed from the Midwest to the East will pale in comparison tothe recent fierce blizzards that have blasted parts of the nation. Despite thatfact, the current snowstorm will still create disruptions to travel and dailyroutines.The most substantial snow will blanket the lower Great Lakes and Ohio Valleythrough tonight. Snow showers will linger into Friday. A total of 4 to 8 incheswill fall from Madison to Pittsburgh. Travelers should prepare for a slowcommute and flight delays.
The bubble of 8 to 10 inches encompassing Chicago and northwestern Indiana isdue to the milder temperature of Lake Michigan enhancing the snow. Chicago willreceive most of its snow by the start of Friday, but that day could still startwith flight delays.
Moisture getting squeezed out of the atmosphere by air riding up the slopes ofthe central Appalachians is the reason for the 8 to 10 inches expectedthere.
The South will not escape receiving snow from today's storm. A bit ofaccumulating snow and pockets of ice will lead to slick spots across theTennessee Valley and eastern North Carolina. Snow will generally only make anappearance elsewhere in the South. Even where there is little to no snow acrossthe South, wet spots on untreated roads will turn icy through tonight as arcticair invades.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski
