The National Weather Service (NWS) is on high alert as it has issued multiple Ice Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories for parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. With predictions of widespread impactful freezing rain and sleet, the agency warns residents to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions.
The Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has outlined significant details for this icy mix, indicating sleet accumulations could reach up to one inch, along with ice accumulations of one-tenth of an inch. These warnings are valid from 9 PM Wednesday through 10 AM Thursday. The forecast anticipates precipitation moving from the Midwest to the northern Mid-Atlantic, primarily as freezing rain and sleet.
For the Mid-Atlantic, the NWS has expressed concern over the heaviest icing expected particularly in western Maryland, the West Virginia Panhandle, and parts of Pennsylvania. The predictions indicate there is a 40-70% chance of more than 0.25 inches of ice accretion occurring, leading to significant power outages and tree damage. The report emphasizes, “Light Freezing Rain & Sleet is Hazardous,” urging caution as even minor ice accumulations on roadways can pose serious travel risks.
Travel advisories have also been highlighted with the caveat to check conditions before venturing out. On the same note, major highways including Interstates 81, 80, 76, 70, and 68 are expected to be severely impacted, leading to treacherous conditions on the roads.
States such as Virginia are also under the NWS's watch. A Winter Weather Advisory is currently affecting Augusta County, including Staunton and Waynesboro. The advisory is set to be effective from 7 PM Wednesday until noon Thursday, with expectations to see mixed precipitation of snow, sleet, and ice. Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham from AccuWeather stated, “A clash of warm, humid air and cold Arctic air will result in myriad impactful weather for millions of Americans this week.”
Residents of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County should brace for snow and sleet accumulations of up to one inch, alongside ice accumulations between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch. The potential of power outages and tree damage due to ice leads to warnings about travel being nearly impossible, which is especially concerning for those commuting on Thursday morning.
For those braving the roads, the NWS has offered helpful reminders for safety under such dangerous conditions. Their advisory instructs drivers to slow down and to stay vigilant. The agency emphasizes, “Check the latest road conditions for the state you are calling from by calling 511.”
Further north, regions in Pennsylvania are also experiencing these winter warnings. A winter weather advisory was updated by the NWS for areas including Erie and Crawford County. Issued early Wednesday, it alerts residents to expect freezing rain with ice accumulations ranging between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch. Although the freezing rain is anticipated to change to lighter rain early Thursday morning, icy spots could persist through mid-morning, complicATING travel.
Travel conditions could become exceedingly difficult, prompting the weather service to advise, “Slow down and use caution.” The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have joined forces to urge drivers to adhere to all travel restrictions and postpone unnecessary travel if possible, all the more pertinent when icy conditions prevail.
Advisories across various states showcase the risks involved with winter weather. Those needing to travel are reminded of practical winter driving tips: share travel plans with family or friends, prepare vehicles with necessary winter supplies, and most critically, stay calm if stranded and always signal for help.
Rhode Island isn't spared from the winter storm's reach either, as the National Weather Service forecasts two storms bringing wintry precipitation over the coming days. The agency warns of expected total snow and sleet accumulations ranging from one to four inches and is advising residents to expect slippery road conditions.
The first storm is projected to affect the region from Thursday morning, leading to icy conditions throughout the day, before switching from snow to ice and finally rain. A second storm is anticipated over the weekend, warranting close attention.
A late-week winter advisory has also been laid out for New York, with officials advising for mixed precipitation. Accumulations of snow and sleet are expected to stretch from up to three inches, calling attention to hazardous roads, especially during the heavily trafficked Thursday morning commute.
Weather conditions like freezing rain and snow can turn roads hazardous overnight, drastically affecting safe travel. Nationally, winter weather causes over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and around 480,000 injuries each year.
Travelers are urged to stay informed about the conditions and prepare adequately, as dangerous conditions may last through the weekend and beyond. Keep vigilant and prioritize safety to mitigate risk during this wintry spell.