A dangerous Northeast storm, termed a “generational” event by meteorologists, is currently striking the East Coast of the United States in the form of a “Bomb Cyclone,” expected to bring up to 2 feet of heavy snow along its path, alongside the unusual phenomenon of “thundersnow.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Blizzard Warnings for New York City, New Jersey, and coastal areas of Connecticut on Saturday, forecasting that this historic storm will peak from Sunday night through Monday, February 23.
Meteorologist Cody Snell from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) of the NWS noted that while the Northeast is no stranger to storms, a weather event of this magnitude has not been seen in heavily populated areas for many years.
Snell mentioned that the storm is set to hit the Washington D.C. area Sunday morning, then extend to Philadelphia and New York City, before reaching Boston on Monday night.
Forecasted snowfall amounts along the I-95 corridor from Philadelphia to Boston range from 12 to 24 inches. Some models suggest that the southern parts of New Jersey and Long Island could see snow accumulation exceeding even 2 feet, known as the “Jackpot Zones.”
Additionally, authorities warn of possible flooding in parts of New York and New Jersey. The Governor of New York has declared a state of emergency, and the Governor of New Jersey has scheduled an emergency press conference ahead of the historic storm.
With rapidly dropping air pressure, gusts of wind reaching speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour combined with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour will create “whiteout” conditions, making travel virtually impossible.
Of particular interest in this storm is the rare occurrence of “thundersnow.” Forecasters at FOX Weather suggest that the intensity of the Bomb Cyclone can produce powerful convection capable of triggering lightning amidst the snowfall.
Residents of New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston may likely hear thunder in the midst of the snow on Sunday night. On the highly unstable atmosphere of the New Jersey coast and Long Island, people might even witness rare instances of “blue lightning” amid the white snowy landscape.
According to the Associated Press, Amtrak has announced cancellations and adjustments to services along the Northeast Corridor for Sunday and Monday. Scott Evans, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator of Atlantic City, warns that the snow covering flood-prone areas could lead to dangerous and imperceptible flooding on roads, urging residents to stay indoors.
Furthermore, with the initial wet and heavy snow combined with extreme strong winds, officials anticipate widespread and prolonged power outages along the I-95 corridor.