Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 31: A powerful winter storm is set to impact large parts of the United States this weekend, bringing heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures, and potential blizzard conditions along the East Coast. Central North Carolina could see up to 8 inches of snow, though forecasters warn that actual amounts may vary significantly by location.

Meteorologists have dubbed the storm a potential “bomb cyclone”, a rapidly intensifying system equivalent to a winter hurricane. According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, the storm’s combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures could affect regions stretching from Maine to Minnesota, making it a formidable event across the northern states.

In Charleston, South Carolina, wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits by Sunday morning, while millions across the country—from northern Minnesota to south Florida—remain under cold alerts. Snowfall in parts of Georgia, including Statesboro and Savannah, is forecast at 1 to 4 inches, while central North Carolina cities like Raleigh, Fayetteville, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem could see 5 to 9 inches of accumulation.

The East Coast is likely to face blizzard conditions, particularly in coastal areas of North Carolina and Virginia, with near-zero visibility and gusts up to 50 mph. Coastal flooding could also occur along the Outer Banks and Cape Cod, exacerbated by strong onshore winds. Richmond could receive around 3.5 inches of snow, while Norfolk may see more than 9 inches through Sunday morning.

This storm comes just days after a previous winter system caused widespread disruptions, contributing to at least 94 weather-related deaths and leaving over 172,000 customers without power in states like Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Governors across the region are taking precautions: North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued a new emergency declaration, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster extended his emergency order through the weekend. Stein reassured residents that while this storm is primarily snow rather than ice, it will still have significant impacts on daily life.

As the storm moves up the coast, it will intensify into a nor’easter, impacting southeastern Virginia and eastern Massachusetts before heading out to sea. While New York City and Washington, D.C. may not see snow, they will experience dangerously low wind chills. Even Florida is expected to see record-setting cold this Sunday morning.

Authorities and residents are being urged to take necessary precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel, preparing for power outages, and staying updated on local weather advisories as the storm unfolds.