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Title: Potentially historic winter storm poised to impact 100 million Americans
Source:
wunderground
URL Source: http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Je ... ers/comment.html?entrynum=1737
Published: Jan 31, 2011
Author: Dr. Jeff Masters
Post Date: 2011-01-31 18:05:19 by go65
Keywords: None
Views: 2503
Comments: 7
A huge and potentially historic winter storm is taking shape over the Southern Plains today. By the time the storm exits New England on Wednesday night, as many as 50 million Americans may see heavy snows of at least 6 inches or dangerous ice accumulations of 1/4" or more from the massive storm, and 100 million will be affected by the storm. A potent jet stream with strong winds will dive southwards over the central U.S. today, allowing a cold Arctic airmass to spill southwards out of Canada. In front of this cold air, a flow of very warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico will surge northwards, providing copious moisture to fuel snowfall amounts that will likely approach two feet across portions of Iowa and Illinois on Tuesday. The storm could be Chicago's biggest blizzard since January 1999, when a storm dumped 21.6" of snow. Accompanying the heavy snow on Tuesday will be strong winds gusting to 40 mph in Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana, and a blizzard watch is posted for Chicago. Strong winds in Chicago are expected to generate 14 - 18 feet waves on Lake Michigan, with occasional waves up to 25 feet. A significant coastal flooding event is possible for Chicago, with beach erosion and flooding along Lake Shore Drive. Many major cities will likely receive over 8 inches of snow from the storm, including Kansas City, St. Louis, and Detroit. Perhaps of greater concern is the potential for a major ice storm along a swath from Northwest Oklahoma to Massachusetts. Widespread freezing rain is expected to bring over 1/4" of ice to many major cities, including St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. Some regions could see up to an inch of ice, and widespread power outages due to toppled power lines are likely for millions of people. Damages exceeding $1 billions are possible from this ice storm. In addition, the storm's powerful cold front will bring the potential for severe thunderstorms to the deep South. The NOAA Storm Prediction Center is giving Louisiana and surrounding states a "slight risk" of severe weather on Tuesday, and severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are likely Tuesday afternoon in this region. 
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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 4.
#4. To: go65 (#0)
For the first time in decades we are under a "Blizzard Warning". Looking at up to 20" of snow with 30-50mph winds. Generator is prepped, extra wood laid in and liquor cabinet well stocked. Only thing left is deciding on what to 'slow cook' tomorrow. Sort of leaning towards gumbo. Let it snow!!!
#5. To: Brian S (#4)
Oh the weather outside is frightful.... Do your worst Jack Frost!
Why would a gloBULL warming event cause you to run low on Ripple?
Do you have a gumbo recipe you would care to share?
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Replies to Comment # 4.
#6. To: BS (#4)
liquor cabinet well stocked.
#7. To: Brian S (#4)
Sort of leaning towards gumbo.
End Trace Mode for Comment # 4.
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