Get ready for a weekend of winter weather extremes as a parade of snow and ice storms sweeps across the Northeast and Midwest, bringing potentially historic snowfall totals to major cities like Boston and New York.
Snow lovers in the Northeast and Midwest, this could be your week.
The winter storm that’s forecast to spread a mix of snow, ice, and rain across portions of the central and eastern U.S. this weekend is just the next in a series of storms. According to ‘We’re in a very active pattern, with a parade of systems moving west to east across the country.’ , AccuWeather senior meteorologist Joe Lundberg, ‘We’re in a very active pattern, with a parade of systems moving west to east across the country.‘
A winter storm is a low-pressure system that forms over cold ocean waters during the winter months.
It's characterized by heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, an average of 30-40 winter storms affect the United States each year.
These storms can cause significant disruptions, including power outages, transportation delays, and property damage.
The severity of a winter storm depends on factors like temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
National Weather Service meteorologist Bob Oravec added, ‘There’s a lot of winter weather on the way.’
Snowfall totals this season from Boston to New York and Washington, D.C., are likely to soon surpass what those major cities saw in the past two snow-starved winters combined. One computer model showed a whopping 2-3 feet of snow expected over the next 10 days across the Northeast, including NYC and Boston.
Snowfall totals are measured in inches and vary greatly depending on location.
In the Northern Hemisphere, most snowfall occurs between December and March.
The highest annual snowfall total is recorded in Mount Baker, Washington, with over 640 inches.
Average snowfall totals range from less than an inch in deserts to over 300 inches in mountainous regions.
Factors influencing snowfall include temperature, humidity, and wind patterns.
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain will affect parts of the Midwest and most of the Northeast Saturday, according to ‘A wintry mix could reach the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metro areas during the day,’ , Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said. ‘Snow will spread into New York City and Boston by evening.‘ Oravec predicted that New York City could pick up 4 inches of snow, while the Boston area sees as much as 6-12 inches.
The weather service warned that periods of moderate and heavy snow will combine with low visibility to create dangerous driving conditions. ‘Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,’ , Oravec said. ‘Travel could be very difficult.’
When driving in winter conditions, it's crucial to be prepared for reduced visibility, slippery roads, and potential hazards.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 1 million crashes occur each year due to winter weather.
To stay safe, slow down and increase following distances.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including a blanket, flashlight, and snacks.
Regularly check tire pressure and consider investing in snow tires for improved traction.
Stay informed about road conditions through local news or traffic apps.
The storm parade will continue next week. A storm will originate in Texas and move to the mid-Atlantic coast, with a larger swath of snow and ice to the north of its path. The potential for heavy rain and severe weather is expected across the South into the Southeast.
While much of the northern tier of the nation deals with wintry weather, the south will continue to see springlike to almost summerlike conditions. Temperatures Saturday in the Deep South are expected to soar to as much as 30 degrees above average, with highs topping 80 degrees in many spots.
Next week, AccuWeather said a soggy stretch of weather is on tap for portions of the South. Bands of rain can become persistent from the Mississippi to lower Tennessee valleys, leading to areas of flooding and severe thunderstorms across the lower Mississippi Valley to parts of the Southeast.
For the latest forecast and updates, stay tuned to your local weather service or check online for the latest information.
