ARLINGTON, Va. – The nation’s capital is emerging from a winter storm that dropped over 6 inches of fresh snow across the region, while meteorologists warn that a second snowstorm is set to impact the Midwest and move eastward.
More than 90 million Americans are currently under winter weather advisories, with cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Kansas City bracing for the heaviest snow accumulations from the upcoming storm. According to AccuWeather, the recent system that swept through the Washington, D.C. suburbs delivered over a foot of snow in parts of Virginia and West Virginia—even as it barely touched the Midwest. Now, forecasts predict that the next storm will blanket nearly 2,000 miles from Colorado to Michigan and Maine with significant snowfall.
The National Weather Service anticipates that the Chicago area could see 3-6 inches of snow through Wednesday night, with Milwaukee expecting 5-9 inches. In Detroit, forecasts call for 3-5 inches of snow along with minor ice accumulations (around one-tenth of an inch), though higher amounts are possible in localized areas.
As the storm approaches the East Coast, Washington, D.C. faces major travel disruptions. AccuWeather warns that heavy snow is expected to affect some of the nation’s busiest roads and airports, prompting federal agencies to advise a 2-hour delayed arrival for many employees. The federal government’s Office of Personnel Management has recommended options for unscheduled leave or telework to ensure critical work continues seamlessly.
In response to the heavy snowfall, Washington, D.C. public schools closed Wednesday after the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport recorded 6.3 inches of snow. With forecasts indicating a wintry mix for Thursday, additional closures are likely. In contrast, Chicago schools remained open despite the storm potentially adding 1-2 inches of snow during the evening rush hour—though several suburban districts opted for early dismissals.
For many Midwest cities like Detroit and Chicago, this storm could mark the season’s largest snowfall. Chicago, which recorded only 2.2 inches on January 10 at O’Hare Airport, has accumulated just 10 inches this season—significantly below its historical average of 24.5 inches for this time of year. Similarly, Milwaukee is at 39%, Minneapolis at 44%, and Detroit at 56% of their average snowfall for the date.
Meteorologists explain that the type of snow—dry and fluffy versus wet and heavy—depends on the air temperature near the surface. When temperatures remain below freezing, dry snow falls, making it perfect for snowball fights and snowmen. However, when the surface warms above freezing, wet snow occurs as partially melted snowflakes stick together, leading to heavier, more challenging accumulations. In fact, a cubic foot of dry, powdery snow weighs about 3 pounds, whereas the same volume of wet, heavy snow can weigh up to 10 pounds.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving weather report as forecasters continue to monitor the storm’s progress.
