A significant winter storm is expected to impact the Eastern U.S. this week, culminating February’s series of storms. Heavy snowfall and ice are forecast, particularly across the mid-Atlantic. Major cities may face challenging travel conditions, emphasizing the severity of this storm as it potentially brings record accumulations. Afterward, a temporary respite from winter storms is anticipated, albeit with lingering cold air.
This week, a significant winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and ice to the Atlantic Seaboard, concluding February’s intense series of storms. AccuWeather meteorologists forecast that from Wednesday to Thursday, a snowstorm will traverse the Midwest to the Eastern United States, potentially being the largest snow event of the season for many areas. Meteorologist Jon Porter emphasizes that this storm will benefit from an influx of Arctic air, making it remarkably intense as the final storm in February’s storm series.
Forecasts suggest that many metropolitan areas, particularly in the mid-Atlantic region, should prepare for substantial snowfall. AccuWeather has indicated locations from Richmond, Virginia to Raleigh, North Carolina could receive between six to twelve inches of snow, with localized areas reaching an estimated total of up to twenty-five inches. Past storms have laid the groundwork for significant accumulations this week, which might exceed prior totals recorded in early January.
The storm’s impact may be especially pronounced during Wednesday afternoon in the Interstate 95 corridor, where travel disruptions are likely to occur. As snow begins accumulating in major cities like Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, road conditions may deteriorate, complicating commute times. Meteorologist Courtney Travis remarks on the timing, which may lead to challenging travel scenarios as conditions worsen throughout the day.
AccuWeather also indicates that the storm’s trajectory will influence snowfall amounts further north, with New York and Boston currently anticipating lighter accumulations. The storm’s track may result in increased snow totals if it veers to the northeast. Conversely, if the storm remains more compact and tracks further south, areas like Philadelphia and New York City may escape much of the snow, while heavier accumulations would focus along the southern Delmarva Peninsula and parts of North Carolina.
Furthermore, the storm is expected to produce significant ice, particularly in southern Virginia and North Carolina, including areas like Raleigh and Charlotte, where residents should prepare for potential freezing rain. Meteorologist Travis cautions that ice buildups exceeding a quarter inch can severely affect travel and may lead to power outages.
Following this storm system, meteorologists predict a welcome reprieve for many in the East from consecutive winter storms. Nevertheless, residual cold air is to be expected in the Ohio Valley and Northeastern regions, which may persist for the ensuing weekend. The pattern of unrelenting storms experienced throughout February appears, as of now, to be concluding after this week’s weather event.
In summary, a major winter storm is poised to deliver significant snowfall and ice from the Midwest to the Eastern United States this week. Meteorologists anticipate that areas in the mid-Atlantic may experience record snow amounts, while residents in southern regions should be prepared for dangerous ice accumulation. After this storm, much of the eastern U.S. can expect a much-needed break from severe winter weather, although cold temperatures will remain.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
