Powerful Storm with Over 30 cm of Snow to Hit Northeastern USA

In the coming days, the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. states face a serious test of winter weather. According to the latest forecasts, on Sunday, February 22, a powerful storm will form off the Mid-Atlantic coast and then move north, affecting the densely populated corridor from Washington through New York to Boston. This system, classified as a nor'easter, will result from the collision of a warm, moist air mass from the Gulf of Mexico with cold air flowing in from Canada. The main threat will be heavy snowfall. Predictive models indicate that snow accumulation could reach locally over 30 centimeters, equivalent to a foot of snow. The Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas are expected to see several centimeters of snow, though details depend on the exact low-pressure trajectory. This will be accompanied by strong, gusty winds, which combined with precipitation could create blizzard conditions – a violent snowstorm with extremely limited visibility. Additionally, along the coast from Delaware to Cape Cod in Massachusetts, there is a risk of coastal flooding caused by stormy weather. It is estimated that about 80 million residents of these regions may feel the storm's impact, with disruptions to road and air travel. Nor'easter is a common weather phenomenon on the U.S. East Coast, especially from October to April. One of the most famous and severe was the so-called Blizzard of '78, which in 1978 completely paralyzed New England, bringing over a meter of snow in some places and causing dozens of fatalities. Meteorologists emphasize that the final picture remains uncertain. A key factor will be whether and how quickly the storm undergoes bombogenesis, a rapid intensification where its central pressure drops significantly. Details are still coming together, but a couple inches could fall as a powerful storm intensifies off the Mid-Atlantic coast. If this occurs close to land, precipitation will be heavier. Otherwise, if the low-pressure center remains farther east, effects may be milder. Experts from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and other centers are monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, on Friday and Saturday before the storm arrives, the region can expect mild and relatively warm weather with temperatures reaching 10-15 degrees Celsius, allowing for preparations for the upcoming winter disruptions.