Residents across the northeastern United States are bracing for a major winter storm set to sweep the region from Sunday, February 22, 2026, through Monday, February 23, 2026. Authorities have issued winter storm watches and warnings from Massachusetts through Delaware and into Pennsylvania, with forecasters warning of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions. The National Weather Service and local meteorologists are urging people to prepare for the possibility of power outages, coastal flooding, and blizzard-like conditions in some areas.
In Massachusetts, the anticipation is palpable as the state faces what Boston 25 Meteorologist Tucker Antico calls "a classic nor’easter." According to Antico, "We have heavy snow, we’re going to have coastal flooding, mainly on the South Shore and Boston area too. I’m most concerned about power outages here because we have this heavy, wet snow and some very strong winds." The winter storm watch is in effect for parts of Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties from late Sunday evening throughout Monday. Cape Cod, the Islands, and parts of southeastern Massachusetts could see a staggering 12 to 18 inches of snow, with the South Shore to Boston and the North Shore expecting 8 to 12 inches. Boston itself is "in play for up to a foot; if not a foot, it will be pretty close," Antico explained, emphasizing the scale of the event: "Just from the numbers alone, this will be a big storm."
The National Weather Service in Boston has warned that whiteout conditions are possible at times, making travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. A coastal flood watch has also been issued for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties from Monday evening through Tuesday morning. Antico cautioned, "Don’t overlook the coastal flooding and the wind because that’s where we have those secondary impacts that we didn’t have with our last big snow event. Make sure those devices are charged leading into Sunday night." The storm is expected to wind down around dinner time on Monday, but not before leaving a significant mark on the region.
Further south, Delaware is also under a winter storm watch from Sunday into Monday. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, forecasts widespread snowfall of 5 inches or more, especially from Sunday night into early Monday. Snow totals vary by county, with New Castle County expecting mostly 2 to 6 inches, Kent County 2 to 8 inches, and Sussex County 3 to 8 inches depending on location. AccuWeather projects that cities like Middletown, Newark, and Hockessin could see 3 to 6 inches, while coastal towns such as Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach might receive up to 8 inches.
The National Weather Service has clarified the meaning of the various advisories. A winter storm watch means that conditions are favorable for a winter storm event that poses a threat to life or property, usually issued about 24 hours before the event with a 50% chance of occurrence. If the storm’s severity increases, a winter storm warning may be issued, indicating heavy snow, ice accumulation, or blizzard conditions are imminent or occurring. Blizzard watches involve conditions favorable for blizzard events, defined by visibility less than a quarter mile and wind gusts of at least 35 mph for three hours or more. As the Service notes, "Blizzards are largely defined by the low visibility, and heavy snowfall and severe cold aren't actually required to create blizzard conditions. Strong wind blowing already fallen snow can create blizzard conditions."
In South-Central Pennsylvania, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from 5 a.m. Sunday through 1 p.m. Monday, covering Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties. Some counties to the east, including Chester and Philadelphia, are under a winter storm warning starting early Sunday. WGAL News 8 Storm Team meteorologist MaryEllen Pann described the anticipated impact: "This is going to be a moderate impact storm developing overnight towards the morning hours. Could have some snow mixing a little bit into the afternoon. But once the sun sets then that snow is going to pick up in intensity, becoming more moderate to even heavy at times in the overnight period. And that will continue into the early part of Monday, maybe lingering in our eastern counties a little bit longer."
Snowfall projections for the Susquehanna Valley are mostly in the 2 to 5-inch range, with southern and southeastern portions, including Lancaster and York counties, possibly seeing 5 to 8 inches. The forecast warns that "road conditions will deteriorate Sunday, becoming wet to slushy, then snow-covered overnight into Monday morning." Temperatures during the storm are expected to hover around freezing, with highs in the low to mid-30s Fahrenheit. The storm system, currently off the Gulf Coast, is expected to intensify off the Delmarva coast before moving northeast, making the exact track and snowfall totals somewhat uncertain.
Understanding the difference between watches and warnings is crucial for public safety. As WGAL News 8 explains, "A watch means ingredients are in place for severe weather to develop. This means severe weather could happen, and you should have a plan ready in case severe weather develops later in the day. A warning means severe weather is happening, and you need to take action now to protect yourself, others and your property." The station has designated Sunday as an "Impact Day," indicating that weather could disrupt normal daily routines.
Nor’easters, the type of storm expected this weekend, are notorious for their intensity along the East Coast. According to the National Weather Service, "Nor’easters usually develop between Georgia and New Jersey, within about 100 miles of the coast, and generally move northeastward, reaching maximum intensity near New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. They often bring heavy precipitation — rain or snow — along with gale-force winds, rough seas and sometimes coastal flooding." This storm fits the classic profile, with its potential for heavy snow, strong winds, and widespread disruption.
Local authorities and meteorologists are urging residents to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and prepare for potential power outages and hazardous travel. In Massachusetts, Antico advised, "Make sure those devices are charged leading into Sunday night." In Pennsylvania, the News 8 Storm Team recommends having a plan ready and paying close attention to changing forecasts, as snow totals and the storm’s track could shift as the system develops.
With the storm set to impact millions from Massachusetts to Delaware and Pennsylvania, communities are taking no chances. The next 48 hours will test both preparation and resilience as the Northeast hunkers down for what could be the biggest winter event of the season.