KEY POINTS
- Meteorologists are tracking a southern storm that could bring snow and ice to the Northeast.
- Two distinct scenarios suggest either a direct exit to sea or a turn toward the coast.
- Interior regions face the highest risk for wintry precipitation if the storm shifts north.
Forecasters are closely monitoring a weather system that originated in the West and is now moving across the country. This storm could potentially bring a mix of snow, ice, and rain to the Northeastern United States this weekend. While southern states will almost certainly face heavy rain, the impact on northern regions depends on the storm’s exact path.
There are currently two primary scenarios for how this system will behave. In the first scenario, the storm follows a straight eastward track. This would keep the majority of moisture south of the Ohio Valley and the mid-Atlantic coast. Under these conditions, cities like New York and Boston would remain dry, while rain exits through the Carolinas.
The second scenario involves the storm taking a sharp turn toward the northeast as it approaches the Appalachians. If steering winds shift, moisture could surge into the interior Northeast and the Ohio Valley. This path would introduce the risk of ice and snow for inland areas where colder air remains trapped near the ground.
Temperature levels will play a critical role in the type of precipitation that falls. While there is no massive surge of Arctic air, enough cold remains for wintry conditions in elevated areas. Coastal cities from Washington, D.C., to Boston are less likely to see major snow. However, a combination of rain and ice remains possible if the storm tracks far enough north.
Existing snowpack in the Midwest and Northeast often keeps ground-level air cold even as warmer air moves in. This phenomenon can lead to icing at the start of a storm, even if it eventually turns to rain. Meteorologists expect more clarity as the system crosses the Rocky Mountains later this week. The final trajectory will determine whether the weekend brings a minor dusting or significant travel hazards.
Residents from the Ohio Valley to New England should stay alert for updates as the weekend approaches. For now, the probability for either scenario remains roughly equal. This uncertainty makes it difficult to predict exact accumulation totals for specific cities. Emergency officials recommend preparing for potential slick roads and flight disruptions regardless of the final storm path.
