A massive winter storm sweeping across the Midwest is poised to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and hazardous travel conditions to the mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, early Monday morning. Experts warn that the storm’s timing coincides with the first full morning commute after the holiday season, creating a perfect storm for chaos on the roads.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter cautioned that the storm could deliver snow at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour in the region, overwhelming road crews and making travel dangerous. Porter urged residents to prepare for significant disruptions on major interstates, including I-95, I-81, I-66, and I-495.
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“When snow falls that rapidly, even the best efforts of road crews may not be enough to keep roads clear,” Porter said. “This could lead to multiple-vehicle pileups, traffic jams, and highway closures lasting for hours.”
Motorists are advised to avoid travel during the peak of the storm and consider remote work or alternate plans if possible. Porter also recommended drivers carry emergency supplies, including food, water, blankets, and cellphone chargers, and ensure their vehicles are fully fueled or charged.
AccuWeather forecasts predict 6-12 inches of snow for the region, with localized totals reaching up to 15 inches in higher elevations. Freezing rain is also expected, exacerbating the risk of icy roads and power outages.
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The storm draws comparisons to a January 2022 snowstorm that paralyzed parts of northern Virginia, leaving thousands stranded on I-95 for more than 30 hours. That event highlighted the need for proactive measures, and officials in Virginia and surrounding areas are expected to test new procedures implemented since then.
“Monday will be the first major test of those procedures,” Porter noted, adding that the storm could serve as a critical benchmark for future snowstorm responses.
In the wake of the storm, Arctic air is expected to bring temperatures 12-25 degrees below average across the eastern U.S., with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures dropping to zero in parts of the mid-Atlantic and -10 degrees in the interior Northeast. Prolonged subfreezing temperatures could delay recovery efforts, including power restoration and road clearing.
The storm’s impacts are not limited to the mid-Atlantic. Ice accumulations of up to 0.50 inches are forecast across parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. AccuWeather warns that this could lead to power outages lasting for days and significant travel disruptions.
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“This is shaping up to be the most significant snow and ice event of the season so far,” Porter said.
AccuWeather meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s progression and urge residents to take warnings seriously. With the potential for dangerous travel conditions and extended power outages, preparation will be key to navigating the storm safely.
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