It has been a fairly docile winter by any standard across the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes this season, but especially when compared to last year's crippling snow totals. Now, however, in late January, Chicago and areas from northern Iowa to southern Michigan are bracing for their first significant snow fall of the winter.
A combination of two factors, an impulse heading into the the region from the Dakotas and a surge of moisture from a developing low along the Gulf Coast will provide fuel for the Midwest's first real snowstorm of the season. The majority of the snow will fall on Friday afternoon and evening in Chicago, and earlier in the day to the west, and will spill into Saturday morning as far east as Detroit.
But how much snow are we anticipating? Take a look at our Weather Sentry Online Storm Path graphic:
Chicago and Milwaukee are going to be the highest profile locations that will expect heavy snow, with 5-10" falling in those two regions. Detroit is expecting less - 2-6" - but to the west, particularly along the Minnesota-Iowa border, the forecast totals are daunting. Some locations, such as Mason City, Iowa, may see up to a foot of snow. Quite the change of pace for what has been an extremely quiet winter.
As always, you can keep up to date on the pending snow storm with Telvent's Weather Sentry Online or Mobile platforms.
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