According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, the Mid-Atlantic is bracing for a major winter storm followed by an extended blast of Arctic cold that will affect Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey from Thursday, January 22, to Sunday, January 26.
Forecasters are increasingly certain that the region will see disruptive winter weather, such as snow, sleet, freezing rain, and severe cold, with effects expected to last until early next week.
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Snow and Ice Threat Builds Late Week
The storm is predicted to sweep across the area from late Friday into the weekend, with precipitation extending from west to east.
- Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey are more likely to see accumulating snow, which could become heavy at times and lead to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
- Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and southern New Jersey face a higher risk of freezing rain and sleet, raising concerns for icy roads, downed trees, and power outages, especially where ice accretion occurs.
Even minor amounts of ice can have a significant impact, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated side roads.
Arctic Cold Follows the Storm
- Overnight lows may drop into the teens and single digits, especially across inland areas.
- Wind chills below zero are possible in parts of Pennsylvania, northern Maryland, and interior New Jersey.
- Prolonged cold could increase the risk of frozen pipes, especially where power outages occur.
Behind the storm, Arctic air will enter the Mid-Atlantic, causing temperatures to drop significantly from late Sunday until early next week.
Travel and Safety Concerns
The combination of winter precipitation and freezing cold may cause significant travel disruptions, particularly over the weekend and early next week. Residents should prepare now by evaluating trip arrangements, testing heating systems, and ensuring winter emergency kits are available.
Forecasters highlight that, while exact snow and ice totals remain uncertain, the general risk of severe winter weather in the Mid-Atlantic is high.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on official forecasts, as minor changes in storm route or temperature can have a large impact on local communities.
