Key Takeaways
- A winter storm system will impact the region from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, bringing a wintry mix of precipitation.
- The storm is expected to produce accumulating ice, sleet, and some snow, leading to slick roads and sidewalks.
- Winter weather alerts have been posted for Northern Maryland, PA, NY, and NJ, with hazardous travel conditions being the main concern.
- The storm’s impact is currently rated as a level 3 out of 5, but could be upgraded to a level 4 if conditions warrant.
- The main precipitation types will be freezing rain and sleet, with icy roads and accumulation on trees and powerlines being major concerns.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A winter storm system is expected to impact the region from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, bringing a wintry mix of precipitation. The storm will likely produce accumulating ice, sleet, and some snow, leading to slick roads and sidewalks. According to the latest update from Chief Meteorologist Gerard Jebaily, the storm’s track and timing are highly confident, but the exact totals and precipitation types are still somewhat uncertain.
Storm Timing and Precipitation
The precipitation will start in the afternoon on Friday and linger through the night as temperatures stay at or below freezing. This will lead to hazardous travel conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses, which will be especially hazardous. Icy roads may linger through Saturday morning until temperatures recover. The storm’s main precipitation types will be freezing rain and sleet, with the freezing rain leading to accumulations on trees and powerlines as well as the ground. Sleet will stick to roads and could accumulate up to 1" in depth.
Impact and Severity
The impact of the storm is currently rated as a level 3 out of 5 on the impacts scale, but could be upgraded to a level 4 if conditions warrant. The main concern will be hazardous travel conditions, with the icy roads and sidewalks making it difficult to get around. While some light snow accumulations are possible, this event will likely be more ice than snow, with the exceptions being further North and East into NJ, NY, PA, and New England.
Regional Variations and Exceptions
The storm’s impact will vary across the region, with some areas seeing more freezing rain and others seeing more sleet. The exact totals and precipitation types are still somewhat uncertain, but it is clear that hazardous travel conditions will be the main issue. The exceptions will be further North and East into NJ, NY, PA, and New England, where more snow is possible. However, even in these areas, the main concern will still be icy roads and hazardous travel conditions.
Aftermath and Future Weather
The storm will begin to clear out on Saturday as it exits the region, with temperatures warming above freezing. More showers are likely on Saturday, but the main concern will be the big cold blast arriving late Monday into next week. This will bring an end to the mild weather and usher in a period of colder temperatures. It is essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the winter storm system expected to impact the region from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning will bring a wintry mix of precipitation, leading to hazardous travel conditions. The storm’s impact is currently rated as a level 3 out of 5, but could be upgraded to a level 4 if conditions warrant. It is essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm. With the storm’s track and timing highly confident, it is crucial to prepare for the worst and to stay safe during this period of hazardous weather.
