A winter storm originating from the Northwest has begun to make its way across the U.S., leaving behind a deadly ice storm and causing travel disruptions. As the storm continues its path, it is expected to bring a second round of accumulating snow to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions on Friday. Although this storm may not be a record-breaking event, it is still predicted to have a significant impact on travel due to snow and freezing rain.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, the Plains and Midwest will experience accumulating snowfall first on Thursday. Cities such as Pierre, Sioux Falls, Omaha, and Des Moines can expect a few inches of snow, accompanied by strong winds gusting between 30 and 45 mph. These conditions may lead to reduced visibility and slower drive times.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee and Ohio valleys will face a more impactful area of winter weather on Thursday. A mix of freezing rain or freezing drizzle is expected due to a shallow layer of below-freezing air at the surface. This can create hazardous road conditions as the surface freezes, causing multiple issues for commuters.

As the storm progresses, the disturbances in the Plains and Tennessee Valley will merge, expanding the area of snow as it reaches the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. On Friday, it is anticipated to be a snowy day, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor, including major cities like Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. Some areas may see accumulations close to or greater than the previous snowfall this week, breaking several record snowless streaks.

The FOX Forecast Center also mentioned the development of an inverted trough that could lead to localized areas of heavier snow. As of now, it is uncertain where exactly these heavier snow bands will form, but the possibility exists between Philadelphia and New York City.

While New England has been the target of previous storms, it is expected to receive less snow from this system. The FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring the development of the inverted trough to determine the extent of snowfall in that region.

In terms of snow accumulations, FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin states that at least 2 inches of snow are highly likely in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of New York. New England will see lower snow totals, primarily favoring the New York City to Washington, D.C. corridor, extending westward. Southern New England is projected to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, with higher totals to the south and west. Areas from New York City to Philadelphia could see 3-5 inches of snow, while higher elevations in the Appalachian Mountains and portions of the Ohio Valley may experience even higher totals.

With millions of people in the path of this winter storm, winter weather alerts have been issued across a wide area. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for parts of northern Indiana, Ohio, and the higher elevations of West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania. Additionally, Winter Weather Advisories have been issued from the Plains to the Northeast, including Philadelphia, most of New Jersey, and northern Delaware.

As the storm progresses, it is advisable for residents in affected areas to stay updated on weather conditions and heed any warnings or advisories from local authorities. Travel may be significantly impacted, and precautions should be taken on the roads.