By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist
January 20,2016; 10:00AM,EST
A major snowstorm will hit areas from Philadelphia to Boston with heavy snow and wind and could immobilize areas from near Washington, D.C., to the southern Appalachians with blizzard conditions by the weekend.
The storm will bring significant snow to more than 50 million people and could bring travel to a standstill in part of the mid-Atlantic states.
As the storm strengthens, winds will increase as snowfall rates ramp up. An all-out blizzard will unfold in some areas. Whiteout conditions will occur in several states. The storm is likely to shut down some highways and could cause some airports to close.
Heaviest snow may shut down travel
The swath that could receive 6 inches of snow or more from the storm is expected to extend along a 1,000-mile path from near the Mississippi River to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The storm will begin in parts of the South and the Ohio Valley on Friday and will expand slowly northeastward over the mid-Atlantic and southern New England during Friday night and Saturday, before exiting southeastern New England on Sunday.
The metro areas from Philadelphia and New York City to Hartford, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston will be in the zone where enough snow will fall to shovel and plow. Localized snowfall in this zone can approach a foot. More snow and blizzard conditions are possible should the storm take a slightly more northward track.
Within this zone, the clinging nature of the snow can bring down tree limbs and cause sporadic power outages. The greatest risk of more widespread power outages will be near the coast, where winds will be the strongest and snow the wettest.
Accumulations around the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas will average around 1 foot with the potential for more, depending upon the track and speed of the storm.
The worst conditions will be from southwestern Virginia and the West Virginia mountains to northern Maryland and parts of south-central and southeastern Pennsylvania, where a blizzard is in store. A general 1-2 feet of snow will fall with accumulations in localized areas between 2 and 3 feet. Increasing winds will cause extensive blowing and drifting snow.
"Crews may not be able to keep up with the storm in portions of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity said. "Some communities could be isolated for a few days."
Travel could be stopped along portions of interstates 64, 66, 68, 77, 70, 81, 83 and 95 at the height of the storm.
RELATED:
Ohio Valley snow to precede late-week monster storm
Snow, rain and severe weather to slam southern US at late week
AccuWeather winter weather center
The heavy snow with the storm is likely to have a fairly sharp northern edge due to dry air. At this time, the northern edge is most likely to extend from southern Ohio to southern New England. A distance of less than 50 miles could bring snowfall ranging from an inch or less to more than a foot.
Wintry mix could make roads slick
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Ed Vallee, "Warmer-than-average temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean will factor into the storm near the coast to perhaps as far west at I-95 in the mid-Atlantic."
For this reason and the potential for dry air to be drawn into part of the storm, accumulations will likely be held to under a foot in most areas from central North Carolina and southeastern Virginia to northern Delaware, much of New Jersey, Long Island and Cape Cod.
For areas receiving a mixture of snow, ice and rain, this will still be a formidable winter storm. Power outages are likely. Travel will be difficult, if not dangerous, as roads become slippery or where poor drainage area flooding occurs.
Winds, coastal impacts and long-duration storm conditions are in store
Winds will become a factor in the storm, causing extensive blowing and drifting snow.
According to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams, "This could be a long-duration snowfall that could last 24 hours or more in some locations."
Areas where this is most likely to occur is from northwestern Virginia and part of West Virginia to southeastern Pennsylvania.
Since the storm will strengthen rapidly, reduce its forward speed and tap plenty of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean on its path, snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour are possible. Hence the potential for people to get stranded on the road.
Thunder and lightning could accompany the heavy snow in some locations.
Along the mid-Atlantic and New England coast, a period of rough seas, coastal flooding and beach erosion can occur. The approaching full moon will cause high astronomical tides around the days where the storm will be near the coast, leading to heightened coastal concerns.
Rick Meyer ·
How many times have these warnings been a bust. Probalby wont get any snow at.
Ashim Kumar ·
EVERYBODY SHOULD PREPARE IN ADVANCE.GOOD NEWS FOR HOME DEPOT FOR SALT.
Gayle Brazeale Sutterfield ·
why is it that any storm that comes through, the media says "Historic", fear mongering?!
Dave Hardesty ·
Works at Retired from Lockheed Martin
You
mean like a couple of years ago when such a storm hit upstate NY and
they said "coldest in recorded history" but the Niagria Falls didn't
freeze like it did in 1912? Seems it was colder in 1912 than it is
today. Global Warming, er Cooling er Climate Change. When oh when will
the American public start looking at history instead of being had by
every crackpot global climate change pseudo-scientist that comes along
with their hands out begging for tax dollars to support their lies?
Dan Ardia ·
Dave Hardesty Read some scientific papers and understand the difference between climate and weather.
Daniel Babbitt ·
One
has to be amused about the people that feel the need to visit a weather
website and complain about the reporting of a snowstorm, 'because it's
January and it's normal'. What exactly do these people expect a weather
website to do, not talk about the storm? Downplay it? This is what the
weather people LIVE for.
And I wonder how many of the people complaining are the same ones that were complaining last month about the media coverage of cold temperatures in the Western, Southwestern and Southern parts of the United States, chalking up the perceived lack of coverage (in reality, it was WIDELY covered) to some sort of climate change conspiracy.
And I wonder how many of the people complaining are the same ones that were complaining last month about the media coverage of cold temperatures in the Western, Southwestern and Southern parts of the United States, chalking up the perceived lack of coverage (in reality, it was WIDELY covered) to some sort of climate change conspiracy.
Salvatore L Trentacoste ·
Looks
like the Poconos won't see much. thay are stateing 1 inch as we are to
far north to be affected.The storm will stay further south .this is the
latest model from all three weather forcasting services.
Susan Stanton Rodbell ·
stock up on beer!
Grey Fox ·
I'm
glad to see the snow come. As a photographer you can get some great
snow photo's. Also glad it's coming on a weekend and will not have to
drive to work in it.
Joe Queiroz Monteiro ·
As
a Hospital Clinical staff I am not happy at all with this snow storm
coming this weekend. It can make our trip to work miserable and as
"Essential Staff" we have to put our lives and our cars at risk on our
way to our jobs."
Gary Van Horn ·
But you've got to "stay tuned". ( watch all the ads)
Joseph Miller
This
snow is no big deal,we go through this every year,if it was in Key
West,now that's a big deal.its winter people,we live in the north,it's
the way it is!
William Smith ·
I
know,I love when people act like they've never seen snow when they've
lived in New York or Boston or Philadelphia all of their lives and how
the media jack up these things and then people get all in a panic like a
bunch of trained seals. It's ridiculous! When are people going to learn
not to get whipped up in a media-driven frenzy? I just hope we get some
snow out of this so as to shut up all those snow-nuts who were
lamenting a lack of snow on January 10 and acting like we're going to
get no snow the whole year just because we hadn't gotten any as of
mid-January when we have recent experience that says that winter isn't
over when you don't have snow on the ground in mid-January.
James McGowan ·
3-6 or 6-12 for Boston. Even on a weekday that would be a go to work day.
Bob Komarek ·
"We could be looking at two feet."
I look at two feet every day....
I look at two feet every day....
Jim Clarkson ·
I only look at six inches...............oh,"two feet" never mind!
Sally Brown ·
After
last winter, 12 inches of Boston snow should be easy. "If" there
actually is a major snow storm. Winter is winter, snow is expected.
For those who are not in the normal snow region, my sympathy, snow
walking and driving is dangerous if you aren't use to it. Make yourself
useful, shovel out the little old lady or gentleman's walkway, or send
your kids to do it.
Kate Sikora ·
Ok..not
sure what to think...I super to fly from Orlando to nyc this Saturday
7am ...my first weekend in nyc and now what ?????:(
Brandon Zannino ·
They wont fly if it's dangerous. You'll just get a delay.
Louis Saccone ·
to early to tell who gets what seen it before you have to wait if a coastal storm forms then you get a big snow
Steve L Hampton ·
Historic this, historic that. It's January, it's going to snow. Whoopee.
Daniel Babbitt ·
Where in the article is the word "historic" used?
Joseph Roberts
Weren't
the Ski Slope Operators just recently whining about the lack of snow?
What's the difference between a minor and major snowstorm? The media
sucks.
Jeanne Kumka ·
Allan
how do you know what I do for a living! What a drag you are! You sound
about 80 years old! And be glad it's coming on a weekend! Were you ever a
kid, do/did you ever have young children, don't you think they need to
see, play in some SNOW!! And I do shovel, you sound like a male
chauvinist, what women can't shovel! I love the exercise in the fresh
air, plus I don't want my hubby having a heart attack!! Move to hot,
humid Florida, you'll love it scrooge!!
Oliver Toth ·
Ft Myers is 48 degrees currently - hot humid florida?
Jeanne Kumka ·
Yeah for now, but it's practically uninhabitable for humans in the Summer! Why do you think tons of people leave those months!
Jazz Man
Operative
words are "possiblity", "suggests", "perhaps", "should", "would", and
"likely". So, this is nothing more then speculation at best. Besides
that, a foot or foot and half of snow is a typical accumulation of a
winter storm in the northeast and NOT "Historic" as the hysterical
forecasters describe it.
Robert Parker ·
Philadelphia
getting over a foot of snow in 1 storm is not a common occurrance. if
it stays all snow and gets closer to 18 inches? It's going to be up
there with the snowiest storms ever. Also it might have the winds to
say Blizzard. 1-2 feet of snow and blizzard potential for
DC/Baltimore/Philly would be historic
Gustopher Esordan ·
Robert
Parker in the 2009-2010 season ALONE, the greater Philadelphia area got
separate snow storms of 30 inches, 25 inches, and a couple 12+" storms.
Although an 18 inch storm would put it technically in the top 10, it
will take a lot more to make it feel "historic"
Daniel Babbitt ·
Where in the article is the word "historic" used? I think you're the one being hysterical.
Jim McCabe
Jazzman,
you realize this is a FORECAST? All those words are words you use when
FORECASTING. If that shocks you, maybe you could head back to 5th grade.
Cynthia Wood ·
* more "than," not then. You are welcome for the grammar lesson.
Michael Croune ·
I now think rain will reduce snow levels near Philadelphia.
John Babrick
You
guys were forecasting 28+ inches for western MD two days ago... now it
is down to maybe 12. I come from Michigan. This is not a storm, this
would be considered flurries.
Donna Hagen ·
Not
sure where you live now, but in Washington, DC and the Beltway, if
three snowflakes hit the ground at the same time, panic ensues! Don't
wait until the last minute, folks -- ABANDON YOUR CARS NOW!!!!! (And if
you don't already have your milk, bread, and toilet paper, well, you're
out of luck!)
Mark Revell ·
Works at Association of American Geographers
Well this isn't Michigan is it. And no, 2 feet of snow anywhere isn't "flurries"
Christine Gavlick ·
Sorry,
but I saw accu weather screw up too many forecasts to count. My
friends husband is a pilot and they PAY Dave to do their weather because
they NEED to know! He caters to farmers, military and those who NEED
to know weeks ahead of the msm rejects.
Christine Gavlick ·
Want to know the REAL story? Goto WXRISK.COm/facebook. Dave is a PROFESSIONAL meteorologist, not a PROFESSIONAL b.s. artist. Sorry, but it's true.
Robert Krzywda ·
Sure he's good, but needs to learn some manners.
Andy Stevens ·
Works at Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Wxrisk is a joke year after year he predicts mega snow storms that are just flurries
Philip Livingston ·
Works at Comcast
Oh no! Not another 'historic' snowstorm! I bet its a snow-nado this year?
Daniel Babbitt ·
Where in the article is the word "historic" used?
Philip Livingston ·
Works at Comcast
Daniel Babbitt it is the drudge headline.
Bill Gigowski ·
If it shuts down DC for a week we'll all be better off.
John Hummer ·
Accuweather, .........RIC is in the I-95 corridor......yet never mentioned......Why not??
Susan O. Dawson ·
Can't predict weather 3 days away, but sure of 100 or 1000 year climate trends. go figure....
Mike Secorsky ·
Yikes. Another person that doesn't know the difference between weather and climate.
Julie Larrick ·
Mike
Secorsky I just don't understand if climate change doesn't affect
weather then why are we concerned about it? Also when we have really
warm weather all the climate change people get all over it but when it
gets really cold they get really quiet.
Jeanne Kumka ·
We
need SNOW!! After such a mild non Winter in Central NJ, just want some
normal weather for this time of year! And that means SNOW! I would move
south if I wanted a warm winter! And I'd never do that, need my 4
distinct different Seasons!! BRING IT ON, SNOW GODS!!
Allan Pearl ·
If
you had to work in the snow, drive in the snow and hope the subway is
running you'd be calling a different tune. Feet of snow just on your
house please. You shovel it.
Kris Assenheimer Plausky ·
Allan
Pearl , I agree. I work at a hospital and am working this weekend. Not
looking forward to trying to get to work in this at 2 am.
Sherry Taylor-Sparks
Allan
Pearl Amen! Or if you don't have the ability to walk and are wheelchair
dependent even 1-2 inches means truly snowed in and a severe heart
condition on top of that these storms become a nightmare.
Ted Ratter
Allan Pearl I welcome a major blast of snow AND I do all the things you say should turn me off to it.
Jeanne Kumka ·
Please don't let Central NJ get rain or a mix! Pure SNOW please, and feet, not inches!!
Jimmy Hendricks ·
Don't
see this being a problem at this time. Temps are going to be colder
then intially forecast. Also like I said the storm will grab its own
cold air as it rapidly intensifies. The final storm track is key
however though. I would say far southern coastal jersey might have some
mixing potential.
Jeff Francis
The forecast this weekend is, as of 2:31 AM Jan 20, 2016;: If this, if that, if, if, if.
Thanks for the forecast.
Thanks for the forecast.
Jimmy Hendricks ·
Most
recent model runs tonight still showing a big path of 12-24 inches and
the jackpot zone is 30+ inches. This storm is really looking
impressive. I can't wait for a Mega storm 20 years latter from that
memorable 96 storm. This will be a fun next couple days to track this.
Could be truely historic event. Also the winds can hit 60 mph on the
coast. Something to watch the next couple days.
Louis McFadden ·
Funny how one storm in our present time can wipe out all of history all in the name of ratings.
Unless D.C. gets over 28 inches of snow this storm is just another storm...nothing historic or epic about it
Unless D.C. gets over 28 inches of snow this storm is just another storm...nothing historic or epic about it
Kobe Suckow
I
am a dr. 20 min outside of NYC. Last year they predicted 36 inches the
day before storm. The mayors office called us and we decided to close
for 5 days as 36 inches wouldn't be removed for days. We received 2/3
inches and staff lost a weeks pay and was a disaster for us. Still have
accuweather totals on phone.have a biology degree and avid
weatherbug.was a terrible job as euro model said no. They went with gps
and even after the nws knew they were wrong kept pushing. No need to try
and predict as area either gets or misses due to track. Euro model 95%
more accurate 3 days out.i would say 12/16 hour before storm starts
about 85% accuracy can be expected.sadly people without science
background have no idea and start making major plans far too soon.
Article factual as if storm too far south no snow but if comes north
rain and warm air mixes in. Would suggest to wait till 11pm run on
thurs. night to make any slightly important decisions!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerome C. Borden
According
to Al Gore, we are supposed to have epic warm weather, flooding of
coastal areas, and an ice free Arctic Ocean in the Summer. He made that
prediction ten years ago and the clock runs out in about a week. He made
that prediction in Park City, UT and the local snow pack is running
about 110% of average, so far, with two months of Winter left to go.
John Hummer ·
Right, and so much bitter cold in the lower 48.......where's it all coming from.......outer space???
Kenneth Pratt ·
They
have been navigating the northwest passage through the arctic every
year since 2000, because there is now less ice. Even a sailboat has done
it.
Patrick Ronan ·
Is this the 4th or 5th storm of the century in the last 15 years? I am losing count
David Hyland ·
Latest prediction- 1"- 2'.
James Buscemi ·
We are to enter the ice age again. Nostrodomos predicted it would happen in 2016
Lou Ann Watson
isn't he dead? at least spell his name right..."nostradamus"
David Hina ·
hit the global warming libtards where they live, literally....hope they get 4 feet
Chris Appel
Dam global warming!
David Briggs ·
What
part of GLOBAL don't you understand? They are not talkingh about your
driveway, the entire planet. Where were you when they passed out the
brains. It was clearly not at the head of the line.
Chris Appel
David
Briggs Davey schmuck...remember Gore and friends told us the ice caps
would be gone by now? And you believed them? LOL at davey...who is
short on brains?
Justin Schawl ·
Nice presentation.
TJ Lauterette
Here
are the top storms for DC Area and the bulls eye of this storm is
predicted to top 40 inches by all models. Where it will be is the
question.
TJ Lauterette
For DC it is historical. It could easily be the top storm of all times
Art Roraback ·
There is a massive snowjob being perpetuated by the career criminals with D's and R's after their names in Washington, D.C..
Bruce Baker ·
What is the Weather Channel going to name this storm.... like they have the authority to do it.
Oleg Roitman ·
Works at Self-Employed
I will ask them to name it after my beloved mother-in-law!
One of the most famous New York City taxi drivers Oleg Roitman, a.k.a. The Human-Computer.
If you tell me any date (month, day, year), for example the date of your birth - in less than a second I will tell you on which day of the week you were born (Monday, Tuesday, etc.). I calculate in my head extremely quickly - yes, yes, I am a genius!..
I have been featured in the New York Times, ABC television and on NPR radio. These and other media appearances are available on my web site at www.the-human-computer.us
One of the most famous New York City taxi drivers Oleg Roitman, a.k.a. The Human-Computer.
If you tell me any date (month, day, year), for example the date of your birth - in less than a second I will tell you on which day of the week you were born (Monday, Tuesday, etc.). I calculate in my head extremely quickly - yes, yes, I am a genius!..
I have been featured in the New York Times, ABC television and on NPR radio. These and other media appearances are available on my web site at www.the-human-computer.us
Bill Samuel ·
Katherine Lockwood Yes, you're right. They named it a few hours ago.
Kenneth Pratt ·
Katherine Lockwood Cool they named it after a weezer song =\/\/=
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