A winter mix of snow and widespread freezing rain is expected to reach the Midwest and Eastern United States on Friday, creating dangerous trips and possible power outages for the opening of the new year.
The National Weather Service said the “potent winter storm” will come from the southern plains and reach parts of the Mississippi valley, midwest and northeast throughout the day.
Parts of southeastern Iowa were under a winter weather alert, according to the NWS in Des Moines, with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected around Ottumwa.
West in Nebraska, NWS Omaha reported freezing fog and snow and warned of slippery roads.
COUNTRY SWATH COULD SEE ICE, SNOW ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
Although little snow is expected in Cornhusker State, the agency said the storm’s main route is expected to hit Kansas and Missouri.
The NWS has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather alerts in parts of both states.
NWS Topeka forecast the winter mix will pour up to 6 inches of snow in eastern Kansas before the system moves east around 3pm.
The areas around Ozarks in Missouri were already reporting power outages due to the accumulation of ice and fallen tree branches caused by the storm on Friday, NWS Springfield said.
Central Indiana was also warned of the winter weather until 11 am for the accumulation of ice and freezing rain that the NWS warned could cause black ice and slippery roads.
Northern Illinois is also expected to have ice accumulations of up to 0.3 inches and snow of up to 3 inches until the storm passes late in the evening. according to NWS Chicago.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
In the meantime, the NWS said the eastern US should also see a mixture of snow, ice and freezing rain starting on Friday and lasting throughout the holiday weekend.
The disturbing weather comes just days after a severe winter storm that swept the Midwest of the United States on Tuesday, canceling hundreds of flights, closing coronavirus test sites and creating impossible conditions for drivers.