New Years Eve Storm Coming for the Midwest!

Dec 27, 2010
You might start to hear about a possible big storm system to affect the U.S. around the New Years Holiday. Computer models are now advertising a strong low pressure system to affect the Midwest with all sorts of weather, but the main ingredient will be warmer air settling across the Central U.S.

The medium range models are forecasting a strong 500 mb negative tilt trough plowing into the plains at the end of this week. This type of feature is representative of strong cyclogenesis; development of low pressure to occur.

Concurrently, the models show a strong low pressure system centered over the Midwest region on New Year's Day. The ECMWF computer model develops this low pressure system traveling from Kansas and then deepening to 991 mb centered near Duluth, Minnesota on New Years Eve.

December 29, 2010 Update:

The strong storm system to affect the Upper Midwest on New Years Eve/Day is still on track.

Blizzard Conditions Expected!

This storm will have the potential to produce blizzard conditions to the north and west of the low especially across the Dakotas. The Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)has outlined the Dakotas and Northwestern Minnesota for the best chance to receive significant snow.

Severe Weather Possible!

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a slight risk across the Lower Mississippi Valley with the threats of damaging winds and a few tornadoes possible on New Years Eve. While a tornado outbreak isn't likely, do expect some strong to severe thunderstorms across this region as the cold front moves east.

Flooding Likely!

The influx of warm, moist air being pulled north from the Gulf of Mexico will melt existing snow pack increasing the risks for ice jams and flooding near rivers across Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. The cold front will then push east ushering in colder air which will refreeze the already fallen rain and water ponding on roads. This will cause slippery driving conditions on New Years Day.

Bottom line do expect some weather headaches around the New Year. Happy Holidays!

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