UPDATE: A significant winter storm is on track to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions this weekend, with potential for snow and sleet exceeding a quarter-inch of liquid precipitation across multiple states from South Carolina to Maine between February 3-5, 2023. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center warns that coastal areas are at the highest risk for this upcoming wintry blast.
Recent computer models indicate a high likelihood of an “impactful” storm developing along the East Coast. According to Michael Schichtel, chief meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center, while models show notable agreement on the intensifying system, subtle differences in its track create uncertainty regarding the potential impacts.
“Despite the notable agreement on the intensifying system, subtle differences in the track off the coast lead to a lot more uncertainty with respect to the potential impacts,” Schichtel stated. He emphasizes that the greatest consensus points to coastal regions and possibly further inland across the Carolinas and southern New England, while the Mid-Atlantic remains less certain.
In addition to snow and sleet, the storm could bring hazardous conditions including high winds, large waves, and potential coastal flooding along the East Coast. The eastern half of the United States is also expected to face temperatures well below normal for the next ten days. Record cold has already forced numerous schools to remain closed across the region.
“The ongoing settling of cold surface high pressure and additional surges in the wake of the historic winter storm will maintain dangerously cold temperatures for the central and eastern U.S. well into next week,” Schichtel added. He cautioned that areas experiencing widespread snow or ice coverage may see prolonged periods of extreme cold due to enhanced radiational cooling.
Meanwhile, the western U.S. will continue to experience above-average temperatures through the first week of February, creating a stark contrast to the conditions expected in the East.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing situation unfolds. Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for potentially severe winter weather and to stay informed through official channels.
