All the operational models last night and so far today have featured a low tracking across the South and then strengthening off the Mid-Atlantic coast with higher pressure to our north to keep cold air funneling southward into the region as the storm approaches.
Advertisement
Light snow accumulation and some ice was already being reported on Wednesday afternoon in the western Carolinas and northern Georgia, according to the National Weather Service.
“It does not capture the entire event and is our early take on how much snow may fall through Friday night”, the weather service said. The onset of the precipitation will likely start as snow across the entire area before a changeover to sleet and freezing rain arrives in the Triad through Friday morning.
It said “some or all” of the largest cities in the Northeast – from NY to Washington – would be “significantly impacted”, with snow and winds which could bring traffic to a “grinding halt” between Friday and Sunday.
“The GFS ensembles (Global Ensemble Forecast computer runs) are now taking the (winter storm) low a bit farther south than earlier models”.
Hoffman said it’s a safe bet to prepare for more than 6 inches of snow and to expect some heavy snow at times and some rain. He was getting shovels and snow melt delivered Wednesday.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “If this is a blizzard and we have sustained winds and people lose power and it is cold over a sustained period of time, that would be my biggest concern”.
– Could we be in for our first major winter storm this weekend? “While a winter storm appears probable, significant uncertainty remains regarding timing, precipitation type, amounts and possible impacts”.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, on Tuesday issued a winter weather advisory for Wednesday as 1-2 inches of snow is expected.
Central/North Jersey (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset): Snow totals are expected to be 4 to 8 inches, and winds will be up to 60 miles per hour on the coast and 15 to 25 miles per hour inland.
Snow predictions through Friday to the south of New England. Meteorologist Tom Hawley of the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, says its path could shift, but right now “all indications are that it will not amount to much” in the region.
And while many people will be looking to the skies, forecasters warn coastal residents should be keeping an eye on the Atlantic Ocean, where minor to moderate flooding is possible due to tides and strong winds.
Advertisement
“We’ll be prepared for whatever comes”, he said. “We’ll be open all weekend”.
