POWERFUL WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THE REGION NEXT TUESDAY

A strong low pressure system will develop off the Mid-Atlantic coast and track northeastward during the early part of next week. The storm’s influence will be felt for hundreds of miles up and down the East Coast. Based on the last few days of model runs, the question for our area looks to be not if the storm will affect us, but how badly and for how long?

Snow would begin as early as the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday morning. 

A blocking high pressure to the north of the storm will likely prevent it from escaping entirely out to sea; even with a far eastern track, areas along the coast would experience accumulating snow and some wind.

SCENARIO #1: Perfect “snow track,” with an excessive snowfall of over 12 hours in duration for all areas. Potential high wind impacts nearest to the coast.

SCENARIO #2: “Coastal Hugger.” Storm hugs the coast; snow to rain on the coast with lesser accumulation. Excessive snows inland. Strong winds on the coast.

SCENARIO #3: Easternmost track: Storm delivers a moderate snow to the coast and less snow inland. This scenario would be the most benign impact to our region.

Now is the time to make alternative plans should the storm materialize; in a worst case, it could bring an excessive amount of snow to parts or all of the region, with travel becoming impossible Tuesday afternoon and night.

Lingering impact is possible into Wednesday, especially for air travel. 

More updates to come…

Stay tuned.