Impending dangerous weather conditions are posing a threat to travel in the eastern United States. A storm that recently brought heavy snow to parts of the central Atlantic coast is moving away towards the sea. However, a trailing storm originating from the Midwest is predicted to cause travel disruptions across a wide region in the form of flurries, snow showers, and potentially heavy snow squalls until Thursday evening, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather.
At this point in the winter season, most drivers are typically well-versed in safe driving practices when encountering snowy conditions. Nevertheless, the snow showers moving from the Midwest to the Appalachians and extending eastward to coastal areas from North Carolina to Massachusetts can be sudden and intense. These unpredictable weather patterns can transform a seemingly manageable snow shower into a brief but exceptionally heavy snowfall in localized areas.
The sun’s presence can intensify snow showers, particularly east of the Appalachians, akin to how it enhances thunderstorms during spring and summer. Although the late February sun helps prevent snow accumulation on treated roads during midday hours, the sunlight’s strength can lead to sudden, dangerous snow showers with significant accumulations and reduced visibility, resembling a sudden blizzard.
In instances of heavy snow squalls, a rapid accumulation of up to an inch or two of snow can occur within minutes before the squall swiftly moves on. These brief but intense snow showers can pose a significant hazard, especially on high-speed highways crowded with traffic, potentially leading to hazardous pileups.
AccuWeather’s Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno has warned of continued snow showers persisting into Thursday evening, cautioning that even a light snow shower towards the evening hours could lead to slippery road conditions due to cooling surface temperatures.
As the flurries and snow showers impact major airport hubs in the East, deicing operations are expected to cause delays in airline departures. Motorists are advised to exercise caution in this weather pattern to ensure safe travel until Thursday evening.
With the exception of localized heavy snow bands near the Great Lakes and over the central Appalachians’ higher elevations, most regions can anticipate a snow-free day on Friday, marking the beginning of a warming trend and a potential release from the firm grip of winter that has persisted for several weeks. For those seeking enhanced safety and ad-free experience, subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app unlocks advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts generated by expert meteorologists to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
