ACCUWEATHER.com reports that the monster storm and its accumulating snow are still “on” for the eastern Great Lakes and parts of the Midwest, central Appalachians, and neighboring Canada this weekend.
Enough snow to shovel and plow will fall over this region, but the primary form of precipitation along the I-95 corridor will be drenching rain.
Travel in much of the region will be a “bear” as a result.
However, there are some forecast problems that remain with the storm, due to its complexity, track, dry air pockets, and changeover times in some locations from not only snow and ice to rain, but also back to snow and a freeze-up at the end.
Dry air pockets are a big concern. Along with the threat of areas of heavy, travel-stopping snow and blowing snow, the double-barreled storm may have more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese.
That being said, if you have travel plans to or through Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Toronto, or Ottawa this weekend on the ground or by air, expect problems from snow, wind, icy roads, and low visibility at times.
Rest assured, as the storm intensifies upon reaching the interior Northeast later Sunday, high winds over the Great Lakes and Midwest will cause extensive blowing and drifting snow on the ground.
By far, the heaviest snow from the storm itself will hit areas in southwestern and central Quebec hardest. This is where the secondary storm that forms over the mid-Atlantic will focus the brunt of its energy and moisture, weaning out pockets of dry air in the process.
Visit accuweather.com for updates.