Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina Face Major Winter Storm With Heavy Snow in the Northeast and Crippling Ice in the Mid-Atlantic

UNITED STATES — A major January winter storm is intensifying across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with heavy snowfall rapidly expanding across Pennsylvania, New York, and New England, while a dangerous ice storm corridor sets up from North Carolina through Virginia and Maryland. Updated forecast maps show two distinct high-impact zones, each capable of causing prolonged travel disruptions and power outages.

Meteorologists warn that this storm will continue to worsen through Monday, with impacts lingering well beyond the end of precipitation due to entrenched cold air.

Heavy Snow Targets Pennsylvania, New York, and New England

The most intense snowfall is expected across Pennsylvania, upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, where additional snowfall through Monday could range from 8 to 18 inches, with localized totals exceeding 24 inches in higher elevations and interior sections.

Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are likely overnight, creating near-whiteout conditions at times. Major travel corridors across the Northeast may become impassable, especially during peak accumulation periods.

Cold air locked behind the storm will prevent melting, meaning snow-covered roads could remain hazardous for several days.

Crippling Ice Corridor Develops Across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina

South of the heavy snow band, the storm transitions into a high-impact freezing rain and ice event across central and eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Forecast guidance shows additional ice accumulation between 0.25 and 0.75 inches, with isolated pockets near or above one inch.

This level of ice is capable of snapping trees, collapsing power lines, and triggering widespread outages, particularly across southern Virginia and central Maryland. Ice-coated roads are expected to be extremely dangerous, even where snowfall amounts remain lower.

Travel Conditions Expected to Deteriorate Rapidly

Across both impact zones, transportation officials are warning of severe travel disruptions. Snow-covered highways in the Northeast and glaze ice conditions farther south will make driving dangerous to impossible, especially overnight and early Monday.

Airports, rail service, and public transit systems may experience significant delays or suspensions, depending on local conditions.

Extended Impacts Likely Well Into Next Week

Behind the storm, bitterly cold temperatures will settle across much of the eastern United States. This will slow snow removal, delay power restoration, and prolong icy conditions, even after precipitation ends.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for possible extended power outages, and closely monitor guidance from local emergency management officials.

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