**Winter Storm Brings Cold Weather Alerts and Snow to Northeast and Mid-Atlantic**
A winter storm is set to impact over 135 million people across 35 states in the United States, as cold weather alerts are in effect for the next several days. The mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions are bracing for another round of rain and snow, driven by a low-pressure system developing off the coast of the Carolinas.
Following a previous system that brought scattered rain and snow to parts of the East Coast, the heaviest snow is expected to fall north and west of the Interstate 95 corridor. Winter alerts remain in effect for cities such as Charleston, West Virginia; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Hartford, Connecticut. Snowfall totals are forecasted to range from 5 to 8 inches through Sunday, with the potential for higher amounts in certain areas.
The snow is expected to begin falling in various areas, starting in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore region in the morning, then reaching Philadelphia and New York City by lunchtime, and finally Boston by the afternoon. Parts of southern Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg and Annville, have already experienced snowfall.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to prepare for the storm, which could bring significant snowfall to various regions. Hochul emphasized the importance of readiness and caution, urging residents to monitor their local forecasts and be prepared for extreme cold.
As the system moves towards the Northeast, affecting states along the I-95 corridor, more snowfall is expected with totals ranging between 2 to 6 inches. Cold weather alerts are in effect across much of the country, with temperatures dropping significantly below average due to a “bitterly cold Arctic airmass.”
The National Weather Service has highlighted the drastic temperature drop across different regions, noting that this will be the coldest air of the winter season so far. The extreme cold is set to impact areas stretching from northern-tier states along the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico. The northern Plains and Rocky Mountains will experience the most severe cold, with wind chill values plummeting as low as minus 30 to minus 55 degrees.
While conditions are expected to gradually warm towards the end of the week, temperatures will remain below average in the South. Record lows may be possible in various cities, including Kansas City, Missouri; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Pensacola, Florida; Detroit; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia.
As the winter storm progresses, individuals are advised to stay informed, exercise caution, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of the extreme weather conditions. Stay tuned for further updates and be prepared for the wintry conditions ahead.
