After a relatively quiet winter last year on the East Coast, this year is off to a strong start.
More than 30 million people are under weather alerts as the Northeast prepares for its first major winter storm of the season.
Snow, ice and gusty winds will create dangerous conditions this weekend from the mid-Atlantic to New England.
On Friday, the storm system will move along the Gulf Coast, bringing strong storms capable of generating frequent downpours, damaging wind gusts and brief tornadoes in cities such as New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.
On Friday night, the storm will turn north and then move up the East Coast on Saturday, bringing freezing rain, snow and sleet to Appalachia.
Widespread ice accumulation of 0.01 inch is likely, with amounts of about a quarter of an inch confined to the Roanoke Valley and extending into North Carolina. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are also expected in the region.
Cities and towns along Interstate 81 in Virginia, such as Blacksburg, Roanoke and Harrisonburg, are at the highest risk of experiencing icy conditions. Black ice, power outages and traffic jams could become a problem as ice accumulates.
At the same time as the icy mix falls over parts of the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, snow will move quickly northeastward, with the heaviest snow limited to areas north and west of Interstate 95.
Those who live in areas along or near I-95, including New York City and Philadelphia, will see snow quickly turn to rain on Saturday afternoon. Immediate coastal areas will experience total rainfall for the duration of this event.
Along with heavy rain, the southern tail of this system could bring stronger storms across Florida. Tampa, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are located within the area with the highest risk of damaging winds and a brief tornado.
On Sunday night, the center of the storm will move away from the New England coast, but not before spreading more snow and wind across parts of that region. Travel delays are expected due to slippery roads and gusty winds, even as the snow tapers off in the late afternoon.
You can read the complete information here.
2024-01-05 22:47:59
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