Snowstorm heading toward a few large freight markets (with forecast video)

Drivers may run into delays on several interstate highways, including I-55, I-57, I-65, I-70, I-74, I-75, I-80, I-86, I-87, I-90, I-94, I-95 (far north) and the Trans-Canada Highway. Gusty winds will result in blowing snow and occasional whiteout conditions in some spots, but blizzard conditions are not likely.

This is not a major winter storm, but it will be enough to cause transportation issues as well as short-term interruptions of supply chains and business operations at the local and regional levels. It’s also worth noting that the storm will hit five freight markets leading the way in terms of available freight.

As of Tuesday, these markets were Joliet; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Detroit; and Chicago. The latest FreightWaves SONAR data show them in the top 13 highest values of outbound tender market share (OTMS), which measures the percentage of a market’s outbound volume relative to the rest of the U.S., which has 135 freight markets.

Joliet (OTMS.JOT) ranks sixth at 2.71%; Columbus (OTMS.CMH) ranks 10th at 2.22%; Indianapolis (OTMS.IND) is in 11th with 2.04%; Detroit (OTMS.DTW) is in 12th with 1.88%; and Chicago (OTMS.CHI) is in 13th with 1.85%. On the tree map directly above, each market’s share is indicated under its percentage change from the previous day. The larger the market share, the larger the square/rectangle. Combined, the Joliet, Columbus, Indianapolis, Detroit and Chicago markets currently account for about 10.7% of the nation’s outbound freight.

Fortunately, impacts of this storm will be fairly short term in the Midwest. While roads may remain slick for a day or two after the storm passes, freight flows should be smoother by the weekend. Another storm may move through the Great Lakes early next week, but preliminary indications show mostly rain for major market areas.

Other notable weather

Heavy rainfall could flood parts of the South today and tonight, from eastern Texas to the northern Gulf Coast, Tennessee Valley and Ohio Valley. Drivers may run into closed roads and ramps, especially in places such as Texarkana, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama; and eastern Kentucky.

Thunderstorms may produce severe winds and isolated tornadoes from the Louisiana coast to eastern Tennessee.

Looking ahead

Another round of heavy mountain snowfall and potentially flooding rainfall could return to the Pacific Northwest this weekend, lasting into early next week.

By the time the storm fades next Monday, high elevations in British Columbia, Washington state, Oregon and Idaho may see 2 to 4 feet of total snowfall. In the valleys, rainfall totals will register in the 1- to 3-inch range, with isolated totals of 4 inches or more. These totals may result in flooding and mudslides, especially on and near westward-facing slopes in western Oregon and western Washington. In addition to the precip, some strong winds could slam some lower elevations.

Have a great day, and be careful out there!