A major winter storm is expected to bring with it rain, snow, and adverse weather conditions for portions of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The service said in a statement the system is on track and is expected to bring heavy snow Wednesday and Thursday north of the I-95 corridor in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston metropolitan areas.
Weather officials added that their confidence is high the impact of the “significant winter storm” may result in travel disruptions and power outages across much of the Mid-Atlantic and New England.
Major Winter Storm expected Wednesday into Thursday for the Mid-Atlantic through southern New England. https://t.co/WkodPN8quw pic.twitter.com/jRWkymiDMP
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 14, 2020
The NWS said their greatest uncertainty is with the rain and snow line along and east of the interstate, and how far northwest the heaviest snow progresses. The service added that they are going to “iron out these details over the next couple [of] days.”
Meanwhile, New York City Department of Sanitation officials said they have already started preparations for the forecast winter storm that is on track to reach the city Monday.
“Due to the chance of winter weather in the forecast, the New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a Winter Operations Advisory for Monday, the department wrote in a press release. “Snow fighting equipment is ready for any winter weather coming our way.”
The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a Winter Operations Advisory for Monday, Dec. 14. Our snow fighting equipment will be ready for any winter weather coming our way. https://t.co/O1o9gb05xE pic.twitter.com/mWVptyEQqB
— NYC Sanitation (@NYCSanitation) December 13, 2020
“The Department is coordinating with other City agencies on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan,” it continues. “All relevant city agencies have been notified and the Department will continue to monitor forecasts as the snow event approaches.”
According to AccuWeather, snowfall in areas closer to the coast, such as nearly all of New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia, is possible but the temperatures are expected to be high enough for the snow to fall as rain.
The report added that if temperatures are slightly lower as forecast, a “quick coating of snow” may cover the area.
Meanwhile, in the northwest of North Carolina and across much of southwest and central Virginia, freezing rain and ice accumulations are expected, according to the NWS.