A major winter storm is forecast to bring substantial snow and ice to the mid-Atlantic and eastern U.S. from Wednesday to Thursday. AccuWeather predicts that areas like Richmond and Washington, D.C. may see their largest snowfall of the season, with significant travel disruptions anticipated. This storm signals the end of a challenging February, although cold air is expected to linger beyond the storm’s passage.
This week, a significant winter storm is poised to affect the Atlantic Seaboard, marking the concluding phase of a turbulent February characterized by multiple storm systems. The storm is anticipated to deliver substantial snowfall and ice accumulations from the Midwest to the eastern United States, particularly impacting the mid-Atlantic region. Jon Porter from AccuWeather elaborates on how this system might produce the season’s largest snowfall for several areas, with forecasts suggesting 6-12 inches in key cities.
This impending storm will follow a recent bout of wintry precipitation and severe weather, including thunderstorms, in the region. With the influx of Arctic air and a southern track, snow is expected further south than previous storms, potentially reaching places like the Carolinas, where residents recently experienced mild weather. Areas from Richmond to Washington, D.C., could see significant snow accumulation, potentially overwhelming the prior storm totals encountered earlier in January.
Forecasts indicate travel disruption, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor on Wednesday afternoon. The timing of the snow in urban environments like Washington, D.C., may lead to hazardous driving conditions during peak commuting hours. This forecast is complicated by the possibility of snow tracks shifting northward, affecting cities like Philadelphia and New York, and altering snowfall predictions across New England depending on the storm’s trajectory.
In addition to significant snowfall, there is a concerning potential for ice, especially south of the storm’s center. Freezing rain could create perilous travel conditions and power outages in southern Virginia and North Carolina from late Wednesday into evening. Meteorologist Courtney Travis highlights the risks posed by ice accumulation, which can exceed 0.25 inches, resulting in challenging conditions for both ground and air transportation.
After this storm, meteorologists suggest that a break from the series of winter storms may occur for much of the eastern United States. Cold air is likely to linger in regions such as the Ohio Valley and Northeast beyond this week, despite the anticipated hiatus in heavy winter weather. The public will finally receive a respite from the ongoing storms, though frigid temperatures may persist for a time.
In summary, the upcoming winter storm is set to deliver heavy snow and ice across the mid-Atlantic and parts of the eastern U.S., concluding a tumultuous February characterized by severe weather. Areas like Richmond and Washington, D.C., may face their largest snowfall of the winter. The storm poses risks for travel, particularly during Wednesday afternoon. While the storm marks an end to frequent winter disturbances, cold temperatures are expected to persist after the system passes.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
