A winter storm approaching several mid-Atlantic states is posing a serious threat of significant ice accumulations, which could lead to widespread power outages and disruptions in travel, as warned by forecasters on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has issued ice storm warnings from Wednesday afternoon through midday Thursday for portions of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Forecasts indicate that some areas could see up to four-tenths of an inch of ice (1 centimeter), which has the potential to cause substantial damage to trees and power lines, particularly in higher elevations.
Due to the impending storm, public schools in certain counties have decided to dismiss classes early on Wednesday to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The storm is of particular concern for Thursday morning's commute, with forecasters cautioning that bridges and overpasses on untreated roads are likely to become slick and hazardous from freezing rain.
Furthermore, a flood watch has been issued through Thursday morning for most of West Virginia and parts of northeast Kentucky and southwest Virginia. These areas are expected to receive up to 1.5 inches (nearly 4 centimeters) of rain, which could exacerbate existing saturation from previous storms.
Prior to moving eastward, northern Missouri experienced icy road conditions on Wednesday morning, with many roads either fully or partially covered with ice. In the Kansas City area, sections of highways had to be closed as emergency crews worked to clear numerous accidents. Eastern Kansas, including Topeka and Wichita, also faced freezing rain and ice-glazed roads.
In Iowa, transportation officials have issued warnings about freezing drizzle that had already affected roads in southeastern parts of the state. This freezing drizzle is expected to spread northward throughout the day, potentially impacting a wider area.
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