MIDWEST — Confidence is increasing that a prolonged winter weather system will affect large portions of the Midwest from Saturday night through Monday, bringing periods of snow and travel impacts as it moves steadily from west to east across the region.
Forecast guidance shows this system initially developing across the Northern Plains late Saturday night before shifting eastward through Minnesota and Iowa on Sunday. By Monday, the system is expected to reach areas along and east of the Mississippi River. While uncertainty remains regarding the axis of heavier snowfall totals, the overall progression and timing of the system are becoming clearer.
How the System Will Track Across the Region
The system is expected to begin impacting parts of the Northern Plains Saturday night, where travel impacts are forecast to peak first. As the system progresses east, snowfall and related travel concerns shift into Minnesota and Iowa on Sunday.
By Monday, the snow and associated impacts extend into the Mississippi River corridor and surrounding areas. This gradual west-to-east movement means different parts of the Midwest will experience impacts at different times rather than all at once.
Snowfall Expectations and Uncertainty
Meteorologists have not yet issued a finalized snowfall forecast due to lingering uncertainty over where the heaviest snow band will set up. While snow is increasingly likely across much of the affected region, exact totals may vary significantly depending on subtle changes in the storm’s track…