Forecasters are tracking another significant winter storm expected to hit parts of the East Coast this weekend. The system arrives as prolonged Arctic air pushes temperatures well below seasonal norms across much of the eastern United States.
The National Weather Service warns the cold stretch could rank among the longest the region has experienced in decades, with some cities approaching record lows. Wind chills are expected to drop below zero in several areas.
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Coastal storm could rapidly strengthen
Meteorologists say a low-pressure system is likely to form off the Carolinas coast late Friday before intensifying as it moves north. Forecast confidence is highest for the Southern Appalachians, the Carolinas and southern Virginia, where heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions are expected.
Some areas could see up to a foot of snow. Strong onshore winds may approach hurricane-force along portions of the coastline, increasing the risk of coastal flooding.
Forecast certainty decreases farther north. A shift in the storm’s track of even 100 miles would determine whether major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor see accumulating snow or mainly wind.
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The term “bomb cyclone” stems from “bombogenesis,” which occurs when a midlatitude cyclone rapidly intensifies over a 24-hour period.
Dangerous cold compounds ongoing recovery
The approaching system follows a deadly winter storm that left communities across the South struggling with power outages and storm damage.
Utility crews, including Tennessee Valley Authority teams deploying helicopters, continue working to restore electricity after ice brought down trees and power lines in parts of Tennessee. Tens of thousands of customers remain without power.
Nationwide, at least 80 deaths have been linked to the extended period of severe cold.
Millions under winter alerts
Winter storm watches and warnings are already in effect across portions of the Southeast, including parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia. More than 20 million people could face hazardous conditions as the storm develops.
Forecasters urge residents from the Southeast through the Northeast to monitor updates and prepare for rapidly changing weather heading into the weekend.
