Central US Faces Blasts of Arctic Air, More Snow Next Week

A relentless stretch of stormy weather will continue across the U.S. through next week, bringing snow, ice, severe thunderstorms, and tornado risks. AccuWeather experts warn of significant travel disruptions, potential power outages, and hazardous conditions in multiple regions.

Why It Matters

The dangerous weather pattern affects millions of Americans from the Midwest and Northeast to the Gulf Coast and Southeast. This widespread system could lead to flash flooding, tornadoes, and freezing temperatures, increasing risks to public safety.

What to Know

Parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama are at high risk of severe thunderstorms on Saturday. Damaging winds of up to 80 mph and tornadoes are possible, with wind gusts potentially reaching 90 mph, per AccuWeather. Families are advised to have storm shelters prepared and multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are expected across areas stretching from Iowa to Maine. Cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Boston could see significant accumulations. Some regions in northern New England may receive up to 24 inches of snow. Ice and freezing rain could create treacherous travel conditions across the lower Midwest and parts of the Northeast.

Bitterly cold Arctic air is expected to sweep across the central and eastern U.S. next week, sending temperatures 10-20 degrees below average. Another winter storm could develop by midweek, with accumulating snow possible in cities along the I-95 corridor, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Heavy rain this weekend could lead to flash flooding from the mid-Mississippi Valley to the Ohio Valley, with localized rainfall totals of up to 13 inches. Accumulated rain from storms earlier in the week has already saturated the ground, increasing the potential for urban flooding and small stream overflow.

Earlier storms triggered mudslides and debris flows in Southern California, particularly in burn scar areas. Intense rainfall sent mud, rocks, and debris down hillsides, complicating cleanup efforts after recent wildfires. AccuWeather estimates economic losses from January wildfires to be between $250 billion and $275 billion.

What People Are Saying

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter: "We have another week of multiple disruptive and dangerous storms on the horizon before we finally start to see some light at the end of the tunnel of this very stormy stretch."

He added: "Make sure your storm shelter or safe room has snacks, bottled water and enough space for your entire family and your pets. Having a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries and sturdy shoes with you is crucial. Conditions are often incredibly dangerous after a tornado strikes at night, with sharp debris and broken glass scattered around and downed power lines."

What Happens Next

The stormy pattern is expected to persist through next week before conditions finally begin to improve. Officials are urging residents to remain prepared, stay informed about changing conditions, and exercise caution during travel.