Additional Coverage:
- Blizzard warnings issued for New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut as storm threatens East Coast (nbcnews.com)
Winter Storm Alert: Northeast Braces for Major Snowfall and Blizzard Conditions
A significant winter storm is set to impact the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Appalachian regions this weekend and into Monday, with over 56 million people currently under various winter weather alerts. Cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City are preparing for substantial snowfall, with forecasts ranging from 9 to 18 inches.
Approximately 15 million residents in New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut are under blizzard warnings as the storm is expected to intensify rapidly.
The storm is projected to develop on Sunday, bringing heavy snow and strong wind gusts to the affected regions. Parts of the Carolinas will experience a cold rain to close out the weekend.
Forecasters anticipate rapid intensification of the storm off the mid-Atlantic coast from Sunday night into Monday morning. This could lead to intense wind gusts exceeding 50 mph and bands of very heavy snowfall extending from the mid-Atlantic up through southern New England. Coastal areas, particularly from Delaware through Connecticut, are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, where blizzard warnings are in effect.
In New York City, snow is expected to begin early Sunday morning, intensifying through the afternoon and night, with snowfall rates potentially reaching up to 2 inches per hour overnight. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued a warning regarding Monday morning commutes, describing them as “extremely dangerous.” He urged residents to “stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary” and to “stay home” if possible.
The Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas are expecting 3 to 6 inches of snow, with the majority falling Sunday evening.
Most of the snowfall is predicted to conclude by Monday evening. However, heavy snow bands are forecast for Monday morning along the Interstate 95 corridor from D.C. to Boston.
These snow showers will gradually diminish throughout the day, lingering longest in parts of Massachusetts and Maine. While the snow tapers off, breezy winds are expected to persist across the Northeast.
This incoming snowstorm follows closely on the heels of a previous ice storm that impacted the region late last month, which was responsible for at least 50 fatalities across the U.S., including over 10 in New York City.
Amtrak has announced adjustments to some of its routes for Sunday and Monday due to “dangerous weather conditions.” While specific routes were not detailed, customers are advised that they will be directly notified of any cancellations or changes.