Janice R. Andrews
A significant snowstorm is set to blanket the Northeast this weekend, impacting cities from Washington, D.C., to Boston and nearby areas. Beginning late Saturday and continuing into Monday morning, the storm is expected to produce enough snow to require shoveling and plowing, while also causing dangerous travel conditions on highways and widespread flight delays, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Arctic Air Brings Winter Weather
A relatively mild start to the weekend will be followed by a blast of Arctic air that will set the stage for the storm. This cold air will help fuel the system, bringing substantial snowfall to the mid-Atlantic and New England regions.
“This will likely be the first widespread snowstorm of the season for the Interstate 95 corridor, stretching from D.C. to Boston,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines. While some parts of eastern New England have seen little to no snow this winter, this storm will deliver significant accumulations.
Snowfall Predictions and Impacted Areas
The heaviest snowfall is expected just northwest of the I-95 corridor, where accumulations of 3-6 inches are predicted. In mountainous regions such as the Poconos, the Catskills, and parts of Maine, totals could exceed 6 inches, with some areas potentially seeing up to 12 inches. However, the storm’s fast-moving nature will likely limit extreme snowfall amounts across much of the region.
“We are confident that snowfall will intensify from southwest to northeast, with the largest accumulations expected in New England,” said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
Travel Disruptions Expected
The storm is likely to cause hazardous travel conditions across the region. Snow-covered roads and highways will create challenges for drivers, while major airports are expected to experience delays due to deicing operations and reduced visibility. A wave of flight cancellations is anticipated at key hubs, including those in Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
In Philadelphia, snow is expected to arrive on Sunday, creating slippery conditions for tailgaters ahead of the NFL playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field. Snowfall rates could reach up to three-quarters of an inch per hour, potentially affecting both travel and field conditions during the game.
Potential for a Bomb Cyclone
There is a chance that the storm could rapidly intensify into a “bomb cyclone,” a term used when a storm’s central barometric pressure drops 24 millibars or more in 24 hours. If this occurs, it would likely happen between Sunday morning and Monday morning as the system moves from southeastern Virginia toward Atlantic Canada.
Such rapid strengthening would generate strong winds, leading to dangerous wind chills and complicating cleanup efforts. The storm’s circulation will also usher in the coldest air of the winter, originating all the way from Siberia.
Post-Storm Safety Concerns
As freezing temperatures persist into next week, areas left wet or slushy by the storm will likely freeze solid. This will create icy and hazardous conditions on untreated roads and sidewalks. Due to these concerns, Monday’s presidential inauguration, which coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, has been moved indoors to ensure safety.
Additional Winter Weather Looming?
Meteorologists are also closely watching additional storm systems forming in the Southern U.S. that could track up the Atlantic coast next week, potentially delivering even more winter weather to the Northeast.
Stay informed and prepared as this weekend’s snowstorm develops and further winter weather looms on the horizon.
