As February nears its end, the relentless series of winter storms continues to batter parts of the United States, with more snow, ice, and rain in the forecast. Meteorologists warn that while the stormy pattern will soon give way to calmer conditions, one last major system could pack a significant punch, causing travel disruptions and hazardous weather across multiple regions.
The latest storm system, which brought heavy snow to the Upper Midwest and northern New England midweek, is wrapping up, but another storm is already forming. This upcoming storm is expected to take a different path, tracking farther south and east compared to its predecessor.
As a result, snowfall accumulation could shift southward, impacting areas from the Midwest to the Northeast. Major travel hubs such as Chicago and Detroit could experience substantial delays due to accumulating snow. Meanwhile, the Ohio Valley is expected to see mostly rain initially, though colder air moving in later may lead to snow accumulation in cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.
For cities along the East Coast, the weekend storm will bring a mix of precipitation. While Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are likely to see mostly rain, New York City and Boston could face a combination of rain, snow, and possibly ice, making for treacherous travel conditions. The specific impacts will depend on how much cold air is available as the storm intensifies.
Next week’s final storm in the February frenzy may turn out to be the most powerful of them all. Depending on the track it takes, it could bring heavy snow to interior portions of the Northeast, while coastal areas may see strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding. If the storm shifts eastward, it could result in significant snowfall from the Ohio Valley to the Appalachians and parts of New England.
Severe thunderstorms could also develop across the southeastern U.S., potentially bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and localized flooding. Some areas, already drenched by previous storms, may face an increased risk of significant flooding.
Once this final storm system moves through, a shift toward colder but drier conditions is expected. While lake-effect snow may persist downwind of the Great Lakes, much of the eastern U.S. will see clearer skies. Despite the lingering cold, sunnier conditions in the coming weeks may make daytime temperatures feel less harsh.
As the storm train finally slows down, communities impacted by the back-to-back weather systems will begin the process of recovering from a turbulent February.
