A powerful snowstorm is sweeping through the Northeast, leaving residents and travelers bracing for disruption as it dumps snow from West Virginia to Maine. Starting Sunday and extending into early Monday, this swift-moving winter system promises significant snowfall and hazardous conditions.
Snowstorm Details and Forecast
Fresh Arctic air ushered in a sharp chill across the Northeast, creating the perfect conditions for this impactful snowstorm. Meteorologists predict accumulations of 3 to 6 inches along and north of the Interstate 95 corridor, from Washington, D.C., to Boston, with heavier snowfalls exceeding 6 inches in localized areas, such as the mountains of West Virginia, eastern Pennsylvania, and southeastern Maine.
“This will likely be the first general snowstorm for portions of the mid-Atlantic and New England along I-95, where major cities have seen little to no snow this winter,” said Tom Kines, Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather.
New England is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with snowfall totals potentially reaching 1 foot in mountainous regions. The storm’s fast pace will limit heavier accumulations in major metropolitan areas, but it still promises treacherous travel conditions and delays.
Travel and Safety Concerns
Roads and highways are already becoming snow-covered and hazardous, particularly for areas northwest of the I-95 corridor. Snowfall rates of half an inch to three-quarters of an inch per hour are expected, especially in cities like Philadelphia, where game-day tailgaters faced slippery conditions on Sunday.
Airports across the region are experiencing deicing delays, with a surge in flight cancellations expected as the storm strengthens. Travelers should plan ahead and monitor airline updates closely.
Bomb Cyclone Potential
Meteorologists warn that the storm has the potential to develop into a bomb cyclone, a rapidly intensifying system. If the storm’s central pressure drops significantly, it will unleash powerful winds and frigid air. This influx of Siberian cold air will solidify icy conditions and could create the coldest temperatures of the winter so far.
Looking Ahead
The storm’s aftermath will bring freezing conditions, with areas made wet or slushy by snow likely to freeze solid through Monday. As the storm exits, attention will turn to additional systems brewing in the Southern states, which may travel up the Atlantic coast later this week.
Residents are urged to stay updated on weather alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for icy roads and potential power outages. This storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather and the need for caution and preparation.
