A massive cold front is sweeping across the United States, placing over 135 million people under cold weather alerts. Spanning 35 states, this wave of frigid air will deliver some of the coldest temperatures seen in years, accompanied by significant snowfall in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.
A Winter Blast Takes Hold
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued stern warnings about the intensity of the approaching cold, declaring it “the coldest air of the winter season thus far.” As a developing low-pressure system forms near the Carolinas’ coast, its effects will ripple across the East Coast, bringing a fresh round of heavy snow and plunging temperatures.
This latest system follows a prior wave of rain and snow that affected parts of the East Coast on Saturday. While much of the country is already grappling with icy conditions, the heaviest snowfall is projected to impact areas north and west of the Interstate 95 corridor. Cities such as Charleston, West Virginia; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Hartford, Connecticut are under winter storm alerts.
Timing and Snowfall Expectations
The snow is expected to reach Washington, D.C., and Baltimore early in the morning before spreading to Philadelphia and New York City by midday. Boston is set to experience snowfall later in the afternoon. Accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are forecast for most areas, with localized regions seeing even higher totals.
In southern Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg and Annville, snow has already begun to blanket the landscape. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to stay vigilant, highlighting snowfall expectations ranging from 4 to 6 inches in New York City and 10 inches in the mid-Hudson region.
“New Yorkers are no stranger to winter weather,” Hochul stated. “I encourage everyone to prepare for snow and extreme cold, exercise caution if traveling, and keep an eye on local forecasts.”
Preparing for a Bitterly Cold Weekend
As the storm moves northeast on Sunday night and early Monday, snowfall totals along the I-95 corridor will range between 2 to 6 inches. While the snow is expected to taper off, extreme cold will linger, creating hazardous conditions for travel and daily activities.
For millions of Americans, this cold front is a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of winter. As communities brace for the challenges ahead, preparedness remains key to weathering the storm safely.
