A powerful winter storm is set to deliver the final blow in a relentless series of winter weather events that have battered the United States throughout February. This latest storm is expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures to a large swath of the country, from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic.
“Much of Virginia and North Carolina are going to be an absolute mess with snow and dangerous ice,” warned AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. “The heaviest snow accumulations are expected around Richmond, Virginia; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Salisbury, Maryland.”
READ: Deadly Storms Devastate Kentucky, Trigger Flooding And Tornadoes Across Eastern US
The storm will begin by spreading snow across the Midwest on Tuesday, with a widespread 3-6 inches expected and localized amounts of 6-12 inches possible. Travelers along major interstates, including I-35, I-44, I-49, and I-55, should be prepared for hazardous road conditions and potential closures.
As the storm moves eastward, it will bring heavy snow to the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday and Thursday. The I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to Richmond, Virginia, is expected to be significantly impacted, with potential for major travel disruptions.
On the southern edge of the storm, freezing rain and ice will create treacherous conditions from Texas to the Carolinas. Ice accumulations could lead to power outages and tree damage.
READ: Trump Approves Emergency Declaration In Kentucky With At Least 8 Dead
Following the storm, a blast of Arctic air will send temperatures plummeting across the central and eastern U.S. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures could drop to 20 degrees below zero in some areas, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
“Frigid Arctic air will sweep across much of the central and eastern U.S. this week with dangerously cold temperatures,” warned AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin. “There will be an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia for people exposed to dangerously cold air without proper protection.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.