CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — A developing winter storm could impact large portions of the Midwest and Northeast from Sunday into Monday, bringing the potential for heavy snow, impactful ice, and significant travel disruptions. Forecast confidence is increasing in a broad zone of wintry precipitation, although exact snowfall totals and the rain-versus-snow line remain uncertain.
Major metro areas potentially in the path include Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York City, and Boston, where shifts in storm track could determine whether conditions turn plowable or messy.
Broad Swath of Wintry Precipitation Emerging
The current winter storm threat map highlights a wide corridor stretching from:
- Iowa and northern Illinois
- Across Indiana and Michigan
- Through Ohio and Pennsylvania
- Into New York and New England
Within this zone, heavy snow appears likely in some locations, while others could see mixed precipitation or freezing rain depending on temperature profiles.
The system’s size suggests impacts will not be isolated, with a multi-state footprint spanning the Great Lakes into the Northeast.
Chicago and Great Lakes Region in the Mix
Chicago sits within the highlighted threat zone, with the potential for:
- Accumulating snowfall
- Periods of sleet or freezing rain
- Gusty winds
The precise track of the low-pressure system will determine how much cold air remains in place over northern Illinois. A slight northward shift could introduce more mixing, while a more southerly track would favor heavier snow totals…