Izzy snowstorm 2022 path tracker LIVE

‘Get reeady’

“Get ready, a major snowstorm is coming,” warned AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

The storm, named Izzy by The Weather Channel, is predicted to affect tens of millions of people over the next few days with intense ice, snow, wind, and rain.

There will be “major travel headaches” from North Dakota all the way down to northern Georgia and sprawling back up to Maine, says The Weather Channel.

‘Plenty of snow ahead’

The Weather Channel’s Mike Bettes shared satellite images of the storm on Friday, warning that the winter storm is just getting started.

He wrote: “Winter Storm #Izzy has a long way to go, with plenty of snow, ice and wind ahead.

“Be safe and avoid travel, if possible.”

Possible flight cancellations

In the Midwest, Southwest Airlines warned of possible flight cancellations, diversions and delays Friday and Saturday at airports in St. Louis; the Twin Cities; Kansas City, Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; and Omaha, Nebraska.

“The duration of snowfall is likely to be from 14 to 20 hours in most locations, which should allow for widespread accumulation of over 4 inches and some locations exceeding 8 or more inches,” the weather service in Des Moines said.

Travel could be difficult

The fast-moving storm may make travel difficult across parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest into the Mid-Mississippi Valley through Saturday morning, forecasters said.

Several southern states along with portions of the Northeast were bracing for the possibility of snow and ice over the weekend.

Midwest saw snow on Friday

Heavy snow spread Friday across a large swath of the Midwest, where travel conditions deteriorated and scores of schools closed or moved to online instruction.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois, where forecasters were expecting up to 10 inches (24 centimeters) of fresh snow.

“This snow will combine with gusty winds to produce slippery, snow covered roads and significantly reduced visibility,” the Weather Service said on Twitter. “Travel will likely become hazardous to dangerous at times.”

Several airlines issue travel waivers

CNN’s Pete Muntean reports that Southwest, United, Delta, and American Airlines have all issued travel waivers ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.

Weather forecasters are predicting debilitating snow and ice as far south as Georgia.

North Carolina under emergency order

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an emergency order and the administration urged people to stay at home after the storm hits.

The state highway agency warned that labor shortages meant crews might not respond to problems areas as quickly as normal.

“We just don’t have as many people to drive the trucks or operate the equipment,” said Marcus Thompson, a spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

 Tennessee could get 6 inches of snow

Parts of Tennessee could get as much as 6 inches of snow, forecasters said, and northern Mississippi and the Tennessee Valley region of Alabama could receive light snow accumulations.

With lows predicted in the 20s across a wide area, any precipitation could freeze and make driving difficult.

Snow expected in the South

The National Weather Service said from 2 inches to 5 inches of snow could fall as far south as northeast Georgia from Saturday evening through Sunday, and power outages and travel problems will be made all the worse by an additional coating of ice and winds gusting to 35 mph.

Snow accumulations could reach 8 inches in the highest elevations.

South Carolina issues emergency order

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an emergency order saying the state would likely feel the effects of the major winter storm starting Sunday morning.

“There is a potential for very dangerous conditions caused by accumulations of ice and snow, which will likely result in power outages across the state,” he said.

State of emergency in Virginia

Virginia Govornor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of a storm expected to bring snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain to much of the state this weekend.

“We expect this storm to have a significant impact in many parts of Virginia,” Governor Northam said.

“Declaring a state of emergency now allows our emergency responders to prepare, and to move supplies and equipment where they expect to need them the most. This also gives Governor-elect Youngkin the ability to respond to any storm needs swiftly. I urge Virginians to take this storm seriously and make preparations now.”

Winter storm names

These are the names the Weather Channel chose for winter storms during the 2021 to 2022 season:

• Atticus
• Bankston
• Carrie
• Delphine
• Elmer
• Frida
• Garrett
• Hatcher
• Izzy
• Jasper
• Kenan
• Landon
• Miles
• Nancy
• Oaklee
• Phyllis
• Quinlan
• Rachel
• Silas
• Tad
• Usher
• Vega
• Willow
• Xandy
• Yeager
• Zion

‘Stay safe on the roads’

A weather enthusiast on Twitter shared tips for staying safe on the road for anyone planning to drive during Winter Storm Izzy.

“If anyone will be driving during Winter Storm #Izzy, here are some tips to stay safe on the roads,” the account shared.

“Make sure to pack a blanket and some flashlights just in case you do get stuck. Also remember to drive slow and carefully when on the roadways. Stay safe!”

Heavy snow expected in Northeast

Heavy snow is forecast in the Northeast region with up to a possible 18 inches by late Monday.

The greatest chance for heavy snow is expected north and west of the Boston-Washington Interstate 95 line, from parts of Northern Virginia to Maine, according to Weather.com.

Winter Storm Izzy may hit the South

Winter Storm Izzy is expected to hit some Southern states.

A winter storm watch has already been issued for regions of South Carolina, North Carolina, and far northeastern Georgia due to the expected snow and ice from the fast-approaching storm.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said that the anticipated ice could contribute to power outages and tree damage in the region.

Atlanta is in the path of the storm, which might end the city’s almost four-year streak without measurable snow.

Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa snow totals

Anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snowfall is expected from the eastern Dakotas to western Minnesota and Iowa, AccuWeather reported.

Minneapolis, Des Moines, St. Louis, and Kansas City are all in the path of the winter storm.

Into early Saturday, difficult driving conditions are expected throughout that region.

‘Major travel headaches’

There will be “major travel headaches” from North Dakota all the way down to northern Georgia and going back up to Maine due to the winter storm, The Weather Channel noted.

As of this morning, it was snowing in the Northern Plains and the upper Midwest.

‘U-Shaped track’

The Weather Channel warned of the unique path winter storm Izzy could take this weekend.

“With cold air much more widespread and an active jet stream plunging southward across the eastern two-thirds of the nation during the heart of winter, the stage is set for this winter storm to take a U-shaped track from the Northern Plains to New England this weekend into Monday,” the outlet reported.

Check for delays

The Federal Aviation Administration warned of delays for travelers on Twitter on Friday.

“Winter Storm #Izzy may bring snow, wind and ice to the Midwest, South and East starting today through the holiday weekend,” the FAA wrote.

“Check with your airline for your flight status. The FAA does not cancel flights. Visit http://fly.faa.gov for airport delays. #BeSafe #winterstorm.”

Prepping for power outages

The Weather Channel shared a video on Twitter to help people prepare for possible power outages due to the storm.

“Have a plan in place for power outages this weekend” the outlet shared. “Here’s how to prepare for #Izzy.”

Midwest could see flight cancelations

In the Midwest, Southwest Airlines warned of possible flight cancellations, diversions, and delays on both Friday and Saturday at some airports, the Associated Press reported.

Airports in St Louis, the Twin Cities, Kansas, Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, could be affected.

“The duration of snowfall is likely to be from 14 to 20 hours in most locations which should allow for widespread accumulation of over 4 inches and some locations exceeding 8 or more inches,” the weather service in Des Moines said.

Snow batters Minnesota, Dakotas on Friday

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Illinois on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

Forecasters were expecting up to 10 inches of fresh snow.

Winter storm bingo

WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich shared a fun “winter storm bingo” image on Twitter ahead of the weekend storm.

“Get your winter storm bingo cards ready for the weekend,” he wrote.

“While also preparing for significant ice and just not snow.”

Picking names

The Weather Channel chooses names for snowstorms, and explained the process on its website.

“The names will be used in alphabetical order to identify winter storms that meet objective naming criteria based on National Weather Service winter storm warnings, blizzard warnings and ice storm warnings,” the outlet noted.