A major winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow, ice, and bitter cold to a vast area of the United States, potentially impacting over 200 million people. The storm, which is likely to be one of the largest in years, is anticipated to disrupt travel and daily life across the central and eastern U.S.
Widespread Impact Expected
Snowfall is expected to begin Friday in New Mexico and Colorado, spreading eastward to Massachusetts and Maine by Sunday. Cities along a 2,000-mile stretch – including Albuquerque, Denver, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Nashville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston – are in the path of the storm.
AccuWeather Senior Vice President Evan Myers stated, “It is rare that storms combine this much snow, ice and bitter cold over such a large area — a widespread travel-halting winter storm will stall daily life for days in large portions of the central and eastern U.S.”
Complex Weather Patterns
The storm is described as “two-pronged,” with one component weakening over the Tennessee Valley while the other strengthens along the Atlantic coast. The arrival of Arctic air is crucial to the storm’s development; without it, the snowfall would be significantly less widespread. However, dry air across the northern Midwest may limit snowfall in that region.
Accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible across a large area, with the hardest-hit regions potentially receiving 24 to 30 inches of snow. Areas around central Maryland, the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, and south-central Pennsylvania could see 12-18 inches, with a potential for up to 30 inches in localized areas.
Travel Disruptions Likely
Travel is expected to be severely impacted. Streets, highways, and runways will likely become snow-covered quickly, and snowfall rates may overwhelm road crews. Thousands of flights are anticipated to be canceled nationwide, with recovery potentially taking days. The southern shorelines of lakes Erie and Ontario may experience increased snowfall due to moisture from the open water.
The storm’s duration, potentially 36-48 hours in some areas, combined with plummeting temperatures – even below zero in some locations – will hinder de-icing efforts and make road clearing more difficult. Compacted snow could also pose challenges for traction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the storm begin?
Snow will begin over eastern portions of Colorado and New Mexico as well as western portions of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas Friday and then expand eastward.
What cities are expected to be most affected?
Accumulating snow will fall along a swath of the central and eastern United States that includes Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver; Oklahoma City; St. Louis; Nashville; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Pittsburgh; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Philadelphia; New York City and Boston.
How long is the storm expected to last?
The storm may last 36-48 hours in some areas before dry Arctic air overwhelms and turns off the snow later this weekend to early next week.
As this significant winter storm approaches, what preparations are you making to ensure your safety and minimize disruptions to your routine?
