Winter Storm Lola Promises Severe Weather Across U.S. This Week

ATLANTA, Ga. — A powerful weather system, dubbed Winter Storm Lola by The Weather Channel, is poised to deliver severe winter conditions across the Rockies and Upper Midwest while also threatening to unleash severe weather in the Deep South this week.

Beginning Sunday, heavy snowfall is affecting high-elevation areas in the Sierras and Rocky Mountains. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado as snow accumulations are expected to reach up to 15 inches in some mountain peaks.

Additionally, strong winds with gusts up to 50 mph could lead to reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions. The adverse weather is expected to continue through Monday, exacerbating risks for those traveling in these mountainous regions.

As the storm system progresses, snow is forecast to spread into the Central Plains by Monday night. The northern edge may bring a wintry mix and freezing rain to parts of the Great Lakes, prompting concerns from weather officials over potential blizzard conditions from eastern Colorado to southern South Dakota, where wind gusts could reach 70 mph.

The National Weather Service is alerting residents to prepare for possible whiteout conditions due to the heavy winds and snow combination. “Visibility can deteriorate rapidly in these conditions, making travel extremely dangerous,” a meteorologist noted.

The more extensive impacts of Winter Storm Lola will be felt across the Central U.S. and into the Deep South, with a severe weather threat emerging on Tuesday. On Tuesday night, mixed precipitation is projected to shift into the Midwest and western Great Lakes, impacting cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

Despite warm temperatures across much of the country this week, which limits overall snowfall, the combination of rain and sharp drops in temperature could create icy conditions throughout the Midwest and eventually into the Ohio River Valley by Wednesday.

As the week progresses, Lola is expected to transition into the Northeast by Thursday, with snowfall possible in the Interior Northeast and New England. Gusty winds pose additional risks for coastal cities, including Boston and New York.

Although snowfall totals are predicted to be lighter across the eastern half of the country compared to previous storms, the potential for strong winds can turn even minor snow accumulations into whiteout or blizzard conditions. Up to a foot of snow is still likely in high-elevation areas and parts of the Upper Midwest and Central Plains.

For continuous updates, the public is encouraged to stay informed through local weather channels and emergency agencies.