The final winter storm of February will hit the mid-Atlantic this week, potentially bringing more than a foot of snow in certain areas. With snowfall beginning on Wednesday, cities like Richmond and Washington, D.C. are expected to experience their largest accumulations yet. Icing may also pose risks in southern Virginia and North Carolina, along with travel disruptions. After this storm, a break from severe winter weather is anticipated.
This week, the relentless storms of February will culminate in a significant winter storm impacting the Atlantic Seaboard from Wednesday to Thursday, delivering heavy snow and substantial ice. AccuWeather meteorologist Jon Porter illustrates how the storm will affect areas from the Midwest to the eastern United States, marking the conclusion of a two-week period of wintry weather across these regions.
Meteorologists indicate this storm could be the season’s largest snow event for the Central states and parts of the mid-Atlantic, with snow accumulations potentially exceeding a foot in certain locales. “The brewing snowstorm will have two key pieces associated with it,” states AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter, emphasizing the storm’s strength due to a fresh injection of Arctic air.
Major cities along the East Coast, particularly the mid-Atlantic, are on alert as the storm targets these areas with impactful snow from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Meteorologists warn that regions, including Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., may receive their largest snowfalls of the winter, forecasting 6-12 inches with local maxima reaching 25 inches in some areas.
Travel impacts could be significant, particularly in the bustling Interstate 95 corridor, which may see rapidly deteriorating conditions during the afternoon commute. “The timing of the snow in parts of the Interstate 95 corridor on Wednesday afternoon may be particularly challenging,” says AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis.
Snowfall in the Northeast, specifically New England, will rely heavily on the storm’s trajectory. Meteorologists predict that a more northern track could result in appreciable snow accumulation in cities like Boston and Providence, while a southerly path could lead to minimal snowfall in Philadelphia and New York City.
In addition to snow, regions near the storm’s track may also face hazardous icing conditions. “In addition to the snow, freezing rain is expected to be another hazard from this storm,” mentions Travis, highlighting concerns for areas like southern Virginia and North Carolina where ice could create travel difficulties and power outages.
As residents prepare to deal with another round of winter weather, the forecast indicates a potential respite will follow, with less severe conditions expected to prevail across the East following this storm. However, residual cold air may persist across the Ohio Valley and Northeast into the coming weekend.
In summary, the approaching winter storm is set to deliver significant snow and ice across the Atlantic Seaboard as it concludes a vigorous storm sequence in February. Major cities in the mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, could see their most substantial snow of the season. Residents should prepare for challenging travel conditions and stay alert for potential power outages due to ice accumulation. A brief respite is anticipated post-storm, but cold air will remain in the region.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
