AccuWeather has forecast a severe winter storm that could bring heavy snow, strong winds and possible blizzard conditions to parts of the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England beginning Saturday night and continuing into Monday.
Areas expected to be affected
According to AccuWeather, the storm will spread from West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania toward major cities along the Interstate-95 corridor, including New York and Philadelphia.
The storm could also affect parts of:
Coastal areas of Cape Cod, Long Island, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
Risk of rapid hardening
The weather forecast company’s chief meteorologist Chad Merrill said the system could develop into a significant nor’easter with strong winds and heavy snow along the Atlantic coast.
He added that the storm could become a bomb cyclone, a term used when a storm rapidly intensifies when the central pressure drops by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.
Blizzard conditions possible
AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said blizzard conditions are possible Sunday night, especially in:
-Southeastern New England
Blizzards could also affect New York City and Boston, with near-zero visibility during the heaviest snowfall.
Snow forecast
AccuWeather predicts:
-6-12 inches from Delaware and central New Jersey through Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston
-3-6 inches near Washington, DC
-6-12 inches in parts of West Virginia
Over a foot of snow most likely from Long Island through southern Rhode Island and Cape Cod
AccuWeather Local StormMax is projected at 26 inches in isolated areas.
Snowfall rates during the peak of the storm could reach 1–2 inches per hour, potentially overwhelming road crews.
Strong winds and coastal impacts
AccuWeather expects wind gusts to reach:
-About 50 mph over much of the coast
-Over 60 mph in parts of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
These winds can lead to:
-Dangerous travel conditions
-Erosion of beaches, especially in eastern Massachusetts
– Heavy, wet snow is expected
Unlike the dry snow storm at the end of January, AccuWeather says this system will produce heavier and wetter snow.
DePodwin noted that near-freezing temperatures may cause some melting on paved surfaces during the day. However, heavier overnight snow could quickly create dangerous conditions.
Continuing winter pattern in the Northeast
AccuWeather On-Air Meteorologist Ariella Scalese said this storm could mark the fifth straight weekend of snow in parts of the Northeast, including New York.
She noted that New York City is currently near its seasonal snowfall average, with recent temperatures well below normal across much of the Northeast.
Key things
- The storm could bring 6-12 inches of snow to major cities, with isolated areas expecting over 26 inches.
- Wind gusts can reach up to 60 mph, leading to power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
- This storm marks the fifth consecutive weekend of snow in parts of the Northeast.
