Nor’easter Threatens Mid-Atlantic and Northeast with Heavy Snow, Coastal Flooding
A major nor’easter is poised to bring heavy snow, gusty winds, and coastal flooding to a large swath of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend, potentially shutting down travel and causing power outages. The storm represents the fifth weekend in a row that the Northeast is bracing for snowfall, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
The storm will spread from West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania northward into the mid-Atlantic and southern New England. Blizzard conditions are expected along the coast. The peak of the snow potential is forecast to arrive Sunday night into Monday morning.
Cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston, are in the path of the storm. New York City and Philadelphia are forecast to receive between 8 and 12 inches of snow, while Boston could see accumulations of 12 to 18 inches through Monday.
Winter Storm Watches have already been issued for New York City, Long Island, parts of New Jersey, including the Jersey Shore, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, including Cape Cod. Some areas of Massachusetts and Connecticut are under Winter Weather Advisories, with a Coastal Flood Watch also in effect for Boston.
The developing storm is being described as a potential “blockbuster” nor’easter, with the precise track determining the extent of snowfall. A slow and precise track along the northeast coast, combined with sufficient cold air from Canada, are key factors in maximizing the storm’s impact.
The storm, dubbed Hernando by The Weather Channel, is expected to bring not only heavy snow but also gusty winds and coastal flooding to parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The potential for significant snowfall prompted officials to begin preparations for widespread travel disruptions.
The nor’easter is expected to develop this weekend, with accumulating snow and slippery travel conditions anticipated. Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and prepare for potential power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
The storm’s development comes after a period of significant shoreline erosion along the Great Lakes, as evidenced by dramatic drone footage showing homes in Benton Harbor, Michigan, threatened by encroaching waves. While not directly related to the nor’easter, the ongoing erosion highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events.
