#heavy-snow

#heavy-snow

WeatherAs forecasters anxiously watch models for better agreement, one thing is clear: a major winter storm-named Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel-is forecast to impact a vast portion of the United States this weekend, bringing a dangerous combination of heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold to much of the country. Winter Storm Fern is expected to impact more than 230 million people across roughly two-thirds of the U.S., stretching across approximately 33 states.

"We will see bands of heavy snow with rates of 1 to 3 inches of snow per hour overnight Sunday." We are just over three days away from the most significant winter storm to strike Boston and Southern New England in just about four years. A 6-inch or greater major storm is highly likely, and I think there's going to be a wide swath of at least 8 to 16 inches for many of us. But keep in mind, those numbers can also change.

A midweek punch of cold, stormy weather will deliver widespread new snow across the Pacific Northwest, with the biggest totals focused on the Washington Cascades and the Oregon volcanoes. Snow starts with a lighter Sunday night into Monday refresh as snow levels step down, then ramps up sharply Tuesday through Thursday with multiple waves of steadier, heavier snowfall and generally pass-friendly snow levels.

Transport delays, treacherous driving conditions and school closures will greet many people as they return to work and study after the Christmas break, with winter weather warnings in place across the UK. Four amber warnings for heavy snow in northern Scotland are in place until Monday morning, while yellow snow and ice warnings cover all of Northern Ireland, Wales and much of England.

"We are anticipating some pretty big snows over the next 24 hours, especially across east central Minnesota to northern Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A lot of those places will have 6-12 inches," NWS Lead Forecaster Bob Oravec told NPR on Sunday.