A snowstorm originating from the west will move towards the Atlantic coast later this week, bringing heavy snowfall to parts of Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Delaware. Some areas will experience snow extending to the north and west, while icy conditions are expected further south. The storm began its journey over the northern Pacific last week, spreading snow across the Rockies and central Plains before gaining strength from Gulf moisture as it moves eastward. Although the storm is not projected to turn north along the Atlantic coast, it is expected to bring significant snowfall to some regions before moving out to sea.
Cities like Norfolk and Richmond in Virginia, Winston-Salem and Raleigh in North Carolina, and Salisbury in Maryland are forecasted to receive several inches of snow from Wednesday to early Thursday. Accumulations of 6-12 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 25 inches in southeastern Virginia and parts of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour could create challenges for road crews, potentially leading to highway closures and stranded motorists. Air travel disruptions are also anticipated, with delays and cancellations expected on Wednesday and possibly lingering into Thursday.
A secondary component of the storm, driven by the jet stream, will bring light snow to the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes region, central Appalachians, upper mid-Atlantic coast, and southern New England. Snowfall in these areas may vary from a light dusting to a couple of inches, posing hazards for drivers due to reduced visibility and slick road conditions. While there is a slight chance of light snow reaching the Interstate 95 corridor in the upper mid-Atlantic and southeastern New England, a major snowstorm for cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston is unlikely.
Dry air to the north of the coastal storm is expected to limit snow accumulations in certain areas, with southern New Jersey, eastern Long Island, and Cape Cod likely to receive more snow compared to regions to the north and west. Additional moisture on Thursday could bring light snow to parts of the Northeast. Further south, significant sleet and freezing rain are forecasted for central and southeastern North Carolina as well as northern South Carolina, potentially leading to power outages from ice buildup on trees. Even a small amount of ice or wintry mix could create dangerous conditions in cities like Charlotte, Greenville, and Fayetteville in North Carolina, and Greenville to Darlington in South Carolina.
Cold winds following the storm on Thursday will be less severe compared to the main storm impact.
A storm will brew at the beginning of the week, with the lingering part veering eastward from the Midwest. This may bring intermittent snow and potentially heavier snow showers that could pose driving difficulties from northern Georgia and the Carolinas up to upstate New York and New England. The chill in the air may be strong enough to impede the natural thawing process usually seen in the aftermath of a winter storm in the Southern states. Any areas that become damp due to natural thawing will freeze as temperatures drop in the evening.
For an enhanced level of safety that includes no advertisements, consider upgrading to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. By subscribing, you can gain access to advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts. These AccuWeather Alerts™ are issued by our team of expert meteorologists who are dedicated to monitoring and evaluating hazardous weather conditions around the clock, ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.
