After nearly two years, a massive snowstorm is poised to hit major cities including New York City and Washington D.C. this weekend, though the forecast remains uncertain. The last time many locations near the Interstate 95 corridor saw an inch of snow was two winters ago, but this storm could change that, according to AccuWeather. However, Weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce noted that “uncertainty remains high at this early stage given questions about the storm’s track and how much cold air will be available near the coast.”
In Rochester, NY, it is expected that the region will experience “a glancing blow” from the storm, with heavier snowfall to the south and east. Jason Alumbaugh, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Buffalo, stated that the area could see 1 or 2 inches of snow as a result of the pending storm, with the potential for even less snow if the system shifts.
The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast have experienced a notable snow drought in the past few winters, with major cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore going well over 600 days without an inch of snow from a single storm. According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, the snow drought has also affected the central Appalachians, Great Lakes region, and coastal New England.
Despite the storm looking likely, the details of timing, track, and amount of snow remain fuzzy at this point. Dolce stated that snowfall forecasting is among the most challenging tasks for meteorologists due to several uncertain factors, such as the amount of cold air available for snow to develop.
As the storm approaches, AccuWeather advises property owners to prepare by having snow shovels, snowblowers, and ice-melting compounds ready. Highway departments and townships are also advised to review their plan of action ahead of the storm. Sosnowski noted that the lack of heavy snow over such a long period could lead to motorists being out of winter driving practice, posing potential risks on the road.
The storm could also affect some NFL football games on Sunday, including contests in Washington, D.C., New York, and New England. It’s important for everyone in the affected areas to stay aware of the situation and be prepared for the potential impact of the storm on their plans.