As the United States experiences a surge of winter storms in February, meteorologists at AccuWeather warn of an upcoming storm that will bring accumulating snow and travel disruptions from the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys to the mid-Atlantic coast before the middle of the week. A dangerous pocket of ice is expected to impact the Interstate 77 and 81 corridors in the southern Appalachians and Piedmont.
This storm is just one of several winter weather events lined up coast to coast for the month, making cross-country travel challenging and providing little respite for property owners and cleanup crews. Although the storms are moving quickly, preventing significant accumulation, road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly due to their potency.
The early-week winter storm will affect over a dozen states, from Missouri to Maryland and Massachusetts, prompting shoveling, plowing, and deicing operations across approximately 200,000 square miles. Snowfall rates in some areas may reach 1-2 inches per hour, hindering road-clearing efforts.
The heaviest snowfall is forecasted to stretch from eastern Kentucky to New Jersey and Delaware, with accumulations of 3-6 inches. Moderate snowfall is expected in major cities such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Charleston, West Virginia. However, parts of northern Virginia and eastern West Virginia could see heavier snowfall of 6-12 inches, with localized amounts up to 14 inches.
Washington, D.C., is likely to surpass its seasonal snowfall average with this storm, while Philadelphia and New York City are catching up. Northern Pennsylvania and New Jersey will be near the northern edge of the accumulating snow, while areas from New York City to southern New England can expect 1-4 inches of snow, with higher amounts in central New Jersey and Long Island.
The southern edge of the storm will bring icy conditions from southwestern Virginia to northwestern North Carolina, potentially leading to power outages. Freezing rain may cause significant ice accumulation and impact travel. Additionally, drenching rain and thunderstorms are forecasted for the southeastern United States, with a risk of flash flooding.
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Winter storms are a common occurrence in the lower Mississippi Valley region. With each storm taking a slightly different path, heavy snow is expected to blanket several major cities in the Midwest. The upcoming storm, set to arrive by midweek, is anticipated to bring significant snowfall to various metropolitan areas in the Midwest, such as Chicago, Detroit, and Kansas City, Missouri. For enhanced safety and an ad-free experience, consider upgrading to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. By subscribing, you gain access to advanced and hyperlocal severe weather alerts that are curated by our team of expert meteorologists. These alerts are diligently monitored round the clock to assess and mitigate potential risks posed by severe weather conditions, ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
