National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a contemporary batch of winter storm watches on Friday as forecasts turn out to be extra sure {that a} new winter storm will blanket the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas in heavy snow later this weekend.
The new slew of alerts comes as thousands and thousands throughout the Northeast are enduring winter storm impacts on Friday, with quite a few winter storm warnings and winter climate advisories spanning New York City by way of Maine. Earlier this week, AccuWeather meteorologists warned of one other storm system that had the potential to ship heavy snow throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic area, though certainty was low at the moment.
“The actual observe of this storm, together with how rapidly it strengthens, will decide how a lot snow falls within the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The provide of chilly air is restricted, and that would additionally have an effect on snowfall totals,” Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather vice president of forecasting operations, told Newsweek in an email.
Now, forecasts are clearer, prompting local NWS offices to issue winter storm watches across West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to go into effect later this weekend.
Most winter storm watches go into effect by Sunday, although some begin earlier, such as the winter storm watches issued in West Virginia, which go into effect late Saturday night.
“Persons ought to delay all journey if potential. If journey is totally mandatory, drive with excessive warning and be ready for sudden modifications in visibility,” NWS Charleston, West Virginia, said in the winter storm watch. “Leave loads of room between you and the motorist forward of you, and permit further time to succeed in your vacation spot. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be particularly cautious on hills or when making turns. Make certain your automobile is winterized and in good working order.”
Snowfall Forecast
Widespread snowfall amounts between 4 and 6 inches are forecast for the region, with some areas expecting much higher snowfall totals, such as up to 13 inches. New York was expecting the highest snowfall amounts, with up to 13 inches forecast for Suffolk County on Long Island.
“Blizzard situations potential. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 13 inches potential. Winds may gust as excessive as 45 mph,” the NWS office in New York City said in a winter storm watch. “Travel could possibly be very tough to unimaginable. Areas of blowing snow may considerably cut back visibility. The hazardous situations may impression the Monday morning and night commutes. The mixture of gusty winds and heavy moist snow may deliver down tree branches.”
Winter Storm Watch vs. Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm watch and a winter storm warning from the NWS signal the potential for dangerous winter weather, but they differ in timing and confidence.
A winter storm watch means forecasters see the potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice—usually within 24 to 48 hours—but details like exact location or amounts are still uncertain. It’s essentially an early heads-up to prepare for the possibility of hazardous conditions.
A winter storm warning, on the other hand, means the storm is either already happening or is highly likely to occur very soon. When a warning is issued, confidence is high that heavy snow, strong winds, or dangerous ice will create life-threatening or travel-disrupting conditions, and people should take immediate precautions.
It’s possible that the winter storm watches in place across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast will be upgraded to winter storm warnings as the forecast certainty improves.
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