NWS: Millions of Americans Under Storm Watch This Weekend Due to Massive Winter Storm

The National Weather Service (NWS) on Thursday has issued a weather warning based on its forecast of a potential impact of a severe winter storm. The severe weather will affect the coastal areas of Northeast and  eastern US on Saturday, placing these areas under a storm watch.

Heavy Snowfall and Strong Winds on Saturday

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A runner crosses the Brooklyn Bridge during the first snow storm of the season on January 7, 2022 in New York City.

In particular, NWS specified that the winter storm will highly impact Cape Cod, Long Island, Rhode Island, and eastern Massachusetts. These areas can expect heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Coastal flooding and beach erosion are also likely in some coastal areas of Northeast US and the eastern US, says the NWS. According to NBC News, the forecast reveals snow may accumulate by more than 20 inches by the time snowfall dissipates on Sunday.

Furthermore, the NWS added that a surge of arctic air, which is currently located above the Upper Midwest, will traverse southward into the eastern US and even into Florida. These winter storm conditions may reach until Saturday night, says the NWS.

In terms of localized storm watch, NWS New York on Thursday has issued a weather forecast that the winter storm may cause the accumulation of six to 12 inches of snow between Friday night and Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, NWS Boston on Thursday has issued a forecast that a total of eight to 17 snow accumulations and strong winds reach 60 mph, particularly over Cape Cod.

The said forecasts were made available through the continued forecast model data by meteorologists on Thursday morning. According to meteorologists, Saturday will be the peak of the winter storm with heavy snow and strong winds expected in Northeast US, including from the eastern Long Island to coastal New England.

The winter storm will most likely end on Saturday by early afternoon from Philadelphia to New York and approximately midnight in Boston. Snowfall in Maine will dissipate by early morning on Sunday.

On Thursday morning, nine million people were under wind chill advisories in some areas across the Northeast and New England.

Also read: Massive Snowstorm Moving Toward Texas, Expected to Continue Until Wednesday Night

Prevous Winter Storms in the US

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On January 16, a severe winter storm hit the eastern US with heavy snowfall and strong winds which led to widespread disruption on travel and caused power outages. The winter storm almost two weeks ago also resulted in the cancellation of around 2,800 flights across the US, as per CNN.

The US is currently in its winter season which is between December and February. During this season, the eastern, northern, northeastern, midwestern, and Great Plains are the most affected regions.

Previous winter storms in the US over recent years ranged from moderate to severe, with reports of damage to infrastructure, power outages, flight disruptions, and cases of traffic accidents due to poor visibility and slippery roads.

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