A Slop Storm Approaches the Northeast

Monday 7:20 a.m.

No, there is no scientific definition for "slop storm," but I sometimes use the term to describe a storm that starts with snow, sleet and/or freezing rain, then changes to rain or drizzle. Very slippery conditions can develop early, but at the end there will be slush, puddles of standing water and areas of fog all draped by a dreary and dull, dim and dismal display of gray. In Chicago, temperatures will barely get to the freezing point, so there may be little or no plain rain. Along the I-95 corridor, the rain will be more noticeable (although it is likely to be absorbed by the snowpack from New Jersey northeastward.... rather than causing significant flooding).

By Wednesday, much colder air will be advancing across the Great Lakes, and the week will end on a cold note all the way to the Middle and North Atlantic coastline.