Two storms are approaching this weekend, potentially bringing snow and icy conditions to parts of the interior Southeast and Northeast. Travel could become slippery, with the coldest air of the winter moving in. Precipitation from both storms may blend together, causing some areas to miss out entirely. Slippery travel and airline delays are expected where snow or ice occur. As Arctic air moves in, wet areas may freeze instead of drying off, particularly from Sunday to Monday.
A fast-moving storm from western Canada will continue to produce light, accumulating snow. This snow is expected to move eastward, affecting areas from Virginia to New England, potentially causing slippery conditions and travel delays. The central Appalachians may see the most significant snowfall, while even a small amount of snow along the Interstate 95 corridor could impact travel.
Another storm crossing the Southeast states from Friday to Saturday will bring soaking rain and possible thunderstorms, leading to urban flooding. Freezing rain and sleet may occur over the southern Appalachians at the storm’s onset. Wintry precipitation is likely in the Southeast as the storm moves eastward.
Farther north, the first storm will bring rain and ice to the mid-Atlantic and New England regions on Saturday. The second storm is expected to follow quickly, bringing more wintry precipitation to the Atlantic coast from Sunday into Monday.
Overall, the weekend will see varying degrees of snow, with the potential for slippery conditions and travel disruptions in multiple regions.
The potential for wintry weather extends into the central Appalachians, posing the risk of snow-covered and slippery roads from sections of Interstate 77 in North Carolina to I-95 in New England towards the end of the weekend. Major metropolitan areas including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston are likely to be affected, with expected significant delays even with minimal snow accumulation. Additionally, there is a possibility of ice or a mix of snow and ice along the I-85 corridor from the vicinity of Atlanta to Richmond, Virginia.
The approaching second storm is anticipated to intensify as it progresses, increasing the likelihood of substantial snow accumulation necessitating shoveling and plowing in New England from Sunday night through Monday morning. Subsequently, frigid air will invade the Central and Eastern states early next week, setting the stage for what could be the coldest presidential inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second term commencement in 1985.
The prevailing weather pattern is poised to remain intricate throughout the upcoming week. As the cold air mass extends further south and east, the expansion is accompanied by an augmented risk of snow and ice. AccuWeather meteorologists are closely monitoring the development of two potential winter storms for the Southern states next week within the context of the prevailing colder weather pattern. These storms could potentially bring snow and ice as far south as I-10 and segments of the Gulf Coast by Monday at the earliest.
At least one of these storms, most likely the second one, may exhibit a northward trajectory, presenting the prospect of snowfall in the coastal Northeast later in the ensuing week. For enhanced safety measures and ad-free experience, an advanced and hyperlocal severe weather alert system is available through subscription to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are curated by expert meteorologists who diligently monitor and analyze hazardous weather conditions round the clock, ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
