The Northeastern United States is bracing for Winter Storm Demi, which is expected to bring significant snowfall along with dangerously cold temperatures starting this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple winter storm watches, particularly for northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, New York, and Connecticut.
Snow will begin to overspread the region Sunday afternoon, bringing potential snowfall accumulations ranging from 2 to 10 inches depending on the area. According to WABC, "A winter storm watch has been issued starting on Sunday afternoon...as much as 4 to 8 inches of snow could fall..." This forecast highlights the uncertainty surrounding the storm's track, which will play a pivotal role in determining total snowfall.
For example, the WBZ Weather Team noted, "Snow is expected to overspread the entire area between 4 and 6 p.m. on Sunday...the storm will taper off very quickly..." The brunt of the storm will hit during Sunday evening, with snow expected to cover major urban areas including New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Travel impacts are likely, particularly on Sunday night when conditions deteriorate. The storm is forecasted to dump anywhere from 5 to 10 inches of snow north and west of I-95, with lighter accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected closer to major cities along the coast. "Forecast calls for 5-10 inches north and west of I-95...2-5 inches from Boston to Providence..." the WBZ Weather Team mentions.
Beyond the snowfall, the region faces extremely low temperatures following the storm. Meteorologists warn of the coldest weather seen in years, with highs barely reaching the teens and lows plummeting to single digits by early next week. According to the NWS, "The Arctic air mass will keep high temperatures in the upper teens to around 20 degrees..."
The extreme cold, combined with wind chill factors, could cause temperatures to feel even colder. Boston, for example, may see wind chill values drop to minus 10 to 15 degrees for several mornings this upcoming week.
Officials are urging residents to monitor the situation closely and prepare for hazardous conditions. Those planning to travel during the storm are advised to postpone their plans and allow extra room for snow-clearing efforts on the roads.
With Winter Storm Demi looming, the East Coast prepares for possible travel disruptions and the challenges posed by severe winter weather. By staying informed and considering safety locations, residents can mitigate risks as they face one of the coldest weeks of the year.