Significant winter storm set to disrupt Northeast United States

Friday, January 5, 2024

A significant winter storm is poised to disrupt the Northeast, heralding travel-disrupting snow and perilous ice this weekend. As it journeys across the country, the storm will initially affect the Southwest before turning eastward. Meteorologists from predict it will mark the first substantial snowfall along a portion of the Interstate 95 corridor in nearly two years.

From Thursday night to Friday night, the storm will unleash drenching rainfall and potentially severe thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast, offering relief to regions grappling with extreme drought. Transitioning northeastward over the weekend, the storm is anticipated to intensify, bringing snow and ice from the central Appalachians to New England. Northeastern Pennsylvania to central and southern New England is expected to bear the brunt, accumulating nearly a foot of snow.

Travel conditions are anticipated to deteriorate rapidly on Saturday and Saturday night, with a snowfall zone extending from the Smoky Mountains to northern New England. Higher terrain in northern West Virginia, western Maryland, and southwestern Pennsylvania may see 6 to 12 inches of snow, with localized maximums of 20 inches.

The Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter emphasized the potential impact on areas unfamiliar with significant snowfall in recent years. Hourly snowfall rates exceeding an inch could overwhelm city and highway departments, posing risks for motorists. Amid the end of winter break for some universities, students returning to campuses are advised to stay vigilant.

The storm signifies a likely end to the snow drought in major Northeastern cities, with New York City potentially experiencing its first snowstorm of more than an inch since February 13, 2022. Boston, among the major cities along I-95, is poised to accumulate 4-8 inches, while Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., may witness more rain than snow due to the storm’s weakening.

Elevational-dependent ice threats, spanning eastern Tennessee to western Virginia, could result in hazardous conditions. Power outages are a concern, with freezing rain potentially weighing down power lines. Residents are urged to exercise caution, prepare for slippery roads, and equip themselves with emergency supplies.

As the storm shifts northward along the New England coast, northern Connecticut, Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and parts of southern Maine are likely to experience the steadiest snow. The storm’s duration may be influenced by a separate system tracking across southern Canada. Preparedness, including snow removal tools and emergency kits, is advised for residents in the storm’s path.

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• Northeast U.S. braces for severe snowfall; travel freezes