As 2013 comes to a close, conditions may advance that foster the development of a significant winter storm. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a potent upper level system is currently advancing into western British Columbia and may later develop into a significant winter storm. The NWS states that there is currently some indication that the system may take a path favorable for a long duration snowfall event across the southern Great Lakes New Year’s Eve into Thursday.

The NWS notes that while the development and exact track of this potential winter storm remain uncertain, snow –mainly light to moderate –is expected to overspread the southwest Great Lakes region and into southern Michigan and northern Indiana Tuesday night into Wednesday. A more potent system could then follow that would exit the Southern Plains Wednesday night and intensify across the Ohio Valley region on Thursday. 

According to the NWS, at present, there is a significant degree of variability between model signals with respect to this storm’s strength and speed. Given the long duration of this event, 36 to 48 hours, significant snowfall totals in the 4-8 inch range are possible. The NWS projects that the location of heaviest snowfall is currently along north of Route 24.

While significant snowfall is not certain at this time, holiday travelers are warned to remain alert to later forecasts and statements as this weather system develops.