The Northeast is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season, with heavy snow, rain, and a significant drop in temperatures expected across the region.
A strengthening storm system over the Great Lakes will bring a wintry mix of precipitation to the Northeast, New England, and the Appalachians starting Wednesday.
“There could be a foot or more of heavy wet snow in some of the mountains. The Poconos could look like a snow globe,” said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. “Before the snow arrives, we’ll see some much-needed rain to help with the brush fires and drought conditions.”
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The Northeast is bracing for its first major snowfall of the season. Higher elevations in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and West Virginia could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, with some areas potentially receiving up to 24 inches. The Poconos, Catskills, Adirondacks, and the Green and White Mountains are also expected to see significant snowfall.
In addition to the snow, the storm will bring much-needed rain to regions experiencing drought conditions and brush fires. The rain will begin in the Appalachians and spread to the mid-Atlantic coast by Thursday. However, by Friday, colder air will mix with the precipitation, creating a wintry mix of rain and snow across the interior Northeast.
The storm will also usher in a major cooldown across the Southeast and Florida. Temperatures are forecast to drop 5 to 15 degrees below average by the end of the week. This drastic temperature change follows closely on the heels of Tropical Rainstorm Sara, which further reduced humidity levels in the region.
This early blast of winter weather could pose challenges for those still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, particularly in mountain towns where residents may be living in temporary housing. Freezing temperatures and potential snow could create hazardous conditions for vulnerable populations.
AccuWeather meteorologists are urging residents to prepare for the storm’s impacts, including potential power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and the effects of the significant temperature drop. Those in areas affected by Hurricane Helene should take extra precautions to stay warm and prevent water lines from freezing.
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