Blizzard conditions set to bring major disruption to East Coast

Blizzard conditions are set to bring major disruption across the northeastern United States, with wind gusts of up to 70mph expected.

A severe blizzard is set to impact the East Coast from Maryland to Massachusetts, prompting emergency preparations in major cities including New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. The National Weather Service forecasts 1 to 2 feet of snow, high winds up to 55 mph, and possible flooding in low-lying regions, creating potentially life-threatening travel conditions. Snow could fall at rates of up to 2 inches per hour overnight Sunday into Monday. Forecasters noted that the storm’s severity escalated quickly, catching many off guard.

A rapidly intensifying storm triggered blizzard warnings Saturday for New York City, New Jersey, and Boston as communities along the East Coast prepared for the Sunday arrival of heavy snow and damaging winds. The National Weather Service increased its assessment of the potential severity of a storm that was projected ... The weather service said 1 to ... , and Massachusetts. Flooding was ... .

Residents along the east coast scrambled to prepare for the late-winter storm that spurred blizzard warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts, affecting more than 35 million people. More than a foot of snow was expected, with gales inland and warnings of potential coastal flooding. The National Weather Service warned that once ... intensified on Sunday afternoon it could prove significantly more severe ... . The weather service said 1 to ... ft of snow was possible in many ... the Long Island peninsula to the east, for coastal communities in New Jersey, ... , and, further north, Boston and other parts of Massachusetts. A storm surge of 2 to 4ft could cause moderate coastal flooding and beach erosion from Delaware Bay to Cape Cod almost 400 miles to the north during high tide cycles.

A forming nor’easter will rapidly intensify off the Mid-Atlantic coast from Sunday night into Monday, with about 30 million people covered by blizzard warnings — from coastal Virginia to southern New Hampshire. The worst of the storm will be felt from Sunday night through Monday, when more than a foot of snow is forecast in a corridor from Delaware to southeast Massachusetts. In New York and New Jersey, states of emergency have already been declared.

A major coastal storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions, heavy snow, potentially damaging winds, and coastal flooding Sunday and Monday from the mid-Atlantic to New England. Blizzard warnings have been issued for all five boroughs of New York City for the first time since 2017. Blizzard warnings are now in place for Boston, the first time since January 28, 2022. This storm has been named Winter Storm Hernando by The Weather Channel.

The brunt of this powerful storm is set to arrive along the East Coast Sunday afternoon into Sunday night. Snow begins in Philadelphia around 1 p.m., and by 4 p.m., flakes will spread from the Jersey Shore to New York City. Boston enters the storm later in the evening, with heavy snowfall developing after 7 p.m. By Sunday night, the system will crawl up the coast, bringing snow and strong winds to Portland, Maine.

To be defined as a blizzard, those conditions must prevail for at least 3 hours. 'On Sunday, this area of low pressure will track northwards along the East Coast, and conditions will be favorable for rapid intensification off the Mid-Atlantic Coast late Sunday into Monday as the system interacts with a strong upper level trough/low,' according to NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center. The NWS is expecting significant travel issues, major power outages due to 40 to 70 mph winds with heavy snow weight, and coastal erosion. Conditions will gradually worsen through Saturday evening with peak storm conditions Sunday through Monday. As the storm system moves out, colder conditions will return to places like Atlanta, Georgia, which broke high temperature records earlier in the week. 'Colder than average temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees are likely across the eastern U.S. into Tuesday under a chilly surface high pressure system,' according to NOAA WPC. However, temperatures should rebound by Wednesday. Parts of Texas and the Desert Southwest could see highs in the 80s or 90s later in the coming week.

Wind gusts over 50 mph can result in near-whiteout conditions and drifting where the snow is not as wet. Especially in Southeast New England, eastern Long Island and southern New Jersey, the combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down tree branches and power lines. In parts of Southeast New England, Long Island, and southern New Jersey, the snow is expected to be particularly heavy and wet, increasing the risk of snapped tree branches and widespread power outages. Snowfall totals are expected to be significant across the board. Long Island and Cape Cod are braced for 18 to 24 inches, while Boston could see up to 18 inches. Further south, New York City and Philadelphia are looking at 10 to 14 inches. While Baltimore and Washington, D.C., will see lighter amounts ranging from 1 to 6 inches, the overall impact on regional travel is expected to be severe. Thousands of flights have already been canceled, and rail and bus services are preparing for total suspensions. The storm’s historical significance is also drawing attention. For cities like Philadelphia, this could be the first official blizzard since 1993. Boston last saw these conditions in 2018, while New York’s JFK Airport hasn’t recorded a blizzard since early 2022. Beyond the snow, coastal communities from Delmarva to Massachusetts are on high alert for beach erosion and flooding, particularly if the strongest winds coincide with high tide. Residents are being urged to charge electronic devices and prepare for potential loss of heat. Even after the snow stops, the danger won’t be over. A surge of cold air on Tuesday is expected to freeze slush and wet patches, creating slick roads and hazardous conditions well after the initial cleanup begins.

The Philadelphia region is bracing for a major winter storm dubbed 'Snowmaggedon 2.0,' expected to deliver blizzard conditions with snowfall between 10 to 18 inches and wind gusts up to 45 mph. Meteorologists warn of potentially record-breaking snow accumulation and very difficult to impossible travel conditions due to snowfall rates over 2 inches per hour.