More than 30 million people are under winter alerts as the Northeast braces for its first major winter storm of the season. Snow, ice and gusty winds will make for hazardous conditions this weekend from the mid-Atlantic to New England.
After a last year’s relatively quiet winter along the East Coast, this year is starting off with a bang.
On Friday, the storm system will ride along the Gulf Coast, bringing strong thunderstorms capable of frequent downpours, damaging wind gusts, and brief tornadoes to cities such as New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.
By Friday night, the storm will turn north and then zip up the East Coast on Saturday, bringing freezing rain, snow and sleet to the Appalachians.
Widespread ice accumulation of .01 inches is likely, with amounts around a quarter of an inch confined to the Roanoke Valley and extending into North Carolina. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1-2 inches are expected in the region as well. Cities and towns along Interstate 81 in Virginia, such as Blacksburg, Roanoke and Harrisonburg, run the greatest risk of experiencing icy conditions. Black ice, power outages and traffic pileups could become a problem as ice accumulates.
At the same time the icy mix is falling over parts of the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, snow will rapidly move into the Northeast, with the heaviest snow limited to areas north and west of Interstate 95.
Those living in areas along or near I-95, including New York City and Philadelphia, will see snow quickly transition to rain in the afternoon on Saturday. Immediate coastal areas will experience all rain during the duration of this event.
Along with torrential rain, the southern tail of this system could bring stronger storms across Florida. Tampa, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are all located within the area with the highest risk for damaging winds and a brief tornado.
By Sunday evening, the center of the storm will move off the New England coast, but not before spreading more snow and wind across parts of that…
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