Iowa, Nebraska, & Wisconsin in the Path of Possible November Witch Storms

Given how bitter late October was, we're all concerned that this upcoming winter could be a cold one.

The 'Farmers' Almanac' released its annual extended winter weather forecast for 2024 recently which validated our concerns.

However, reports say that there is a strong possibility the El Niño will continue through the upcoming winter. That would likely make for warmer temperatures in the northern part of the United States.

We'll have to wait and see what transpires but in November, parts of the Midwest could be in the path of some possible "Witch Storms."

Some officials are saying that some states might be in the path of these weather events due to the dry summer we've had and the cooler temperatures that are already moving in.

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No, the Wicked Witch of the West isn't flying in on her broomstick and bringing a slew of storms along with her flying monkeys. The term "witch storm" is an actual weather event/phrase.

According to the official Weather Channel website, witch storms are described as intense Midwest windstorms that come through in late October and November. You might also be familiar with the phrase "Witches of November" which is also used in this instance when referring to these storms.

Professionals often refer to them as powerful extratropical cyclones.

How Do They Come About?

Officials say that they can form in the fall "when increasing temperature contrasts from north to south across the U.S." Oftentimes, they form stronger low-pressure systems thus creating very intense winds.

So, warm fall air meets with the cold winter air and that can cause some serious storms.

What Sort of Damage Can They Do?

These storms can wreak immense havoc. There are multiple cases of these witch storms doing some major damage.

• November 1913 ~ Called the "white hurricane," this storm swept through the Great Lakes and killed approximately 250 people.
• November 1975 ~ A witch storm sunk a huge iron-ore ship called the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.
• November 2015 ~ More than 12,000 people in Kansas City lost power after wind speeds of 60 MPH swept through the area.

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