Additional Coverage:
- Nor’easter slams Carolinas, Virginia with snow as blizzard conditions, vicious winds loom as storm intensifies (foxweather.com)
Winter Storm Grips Southeast, Bringing Heavy Snow and Blizzard Concerns
A potent winter storm is currently sweeping across the Southeast, unleashing dangerous cold, blustery winds, and the potential for blizzard conditions throughout the weekend. Snow is actively falling in the Carolinas and Virginia as a rapidly intensifying coastal low pulls moisture northward while locking in frigid air.
By Saturday night, this system is expected to continue dumping intense snow across the Carolinas and Virginia, with snow totals potentially reaching 5-8 inches by the end of the weekend. Winter Weather Alerts are in effect from the southern tip of Georgia all the way north into Maryland through Sunday. States of Emergency have been declared in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina as communities brace for the impact of this powerful nor’easter.
Officials are strongly urging residents to remain home and off the roads this weekend. Josh Lamb, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, emphasized, “Fewer vehicles on the roads give GDOT crews the space they need to treat roadways safely and efficiently, helping keep everyone safer this weekend.”
Forecasters are closely monitoring this storm for “bombogenesis,” a phenomenon where a storm’s central pressure rapidly drops, leading to swift intensification. This could result in intense, tropical storm-force wind gusts, particularly along the coastline.
Wind alerts are in place from North Carolina into Virginia, where gusts between 50-70 mph are possible. “When you look at this in relation to a tropical system, this could, and let me emphasize could, be compared to a winter tropical storm,” noted FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime.
The combination of strong winds, rapid snowfall, and low visibility could create blizzard conditions for coastal areas, especially along the Outer Banks. Coastal flooding and erosion are also significant concerns with this system.
As the area of low pressure tracks northward, impacts are anticipated to extend into the Northeast and New England on Sunday. While the exact storm track remains somewhat uncertain, many forecast models suggest the bulk of the snow will remain offshore until reaching Massachusetts and southern New England.
In more aggressive scenarios, moderate to heavy snow is possible, particularly from eastern Massachusetts into Maine. However, other outcomes suggest the majority of the snow will stay offshore with minimal inland accumulation. The highest confidence for significant impacts is centered on southeastern Massachusetts, particularly the Cape and islands, which could still experience snow, strong winds, and hazardous marine conditions even with a slightly offshore track.
This is a developing story, and residents are advised to stay informed on the latest forecasts and developments.