As the United States braces for Winter Storm Hernando, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are preparing for a significant weather event that could potentially impact millions. The Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings that the storm could bring up to a foot of snow, accompanied by strong winds and the possibility of coastal flooding. The storm is anticipated to start on Saturday, intensify through Sunday, and gradually dissipate by Monday afternoon.
The snowfall projections for areas between Boston and Philadelphia indicate a roughly 50% chance of receiving at least six inches of snow. New York City could see snow accumulations between six and twelve inches; however, these totals are subject to change as the storm's path remains uncertain. Meteorologists emphasize that a shift of just 50-100 miles in the storm's trajectory could significantly alter the expected snowfall amounts.
Forecasters predict the heaviest snowfall will occur late Sunday into early Monday, with some areas possibly experiencing 18 to 24 hours of continuous snowfall. Wind gusts ranging from 30 to 50 miles per hour could lead to near-blizzard conditions, particularly in the Northeast. Additionally, coastal areas are on alert for flooding risks as the storm gains strength offshore.
Initially, warmer air may introduce freezing rain in certain locations, which is expected to transition to snow as the storm progresses. Clearer projections are anticipated once the storm fully organizes. This weather event is unfolding while parts of the West are recovering from heavy snowfall caused by a Pacific system earlier in the week. Significant snow accumulations have been recorded across California, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah. In Nevada, some areas received 55 to 70 inches of snow over a 72-hour period.
With the intense snowfall comes the heightened risk of avalanches in mountainous regions. An avalanche in Northern California's backcountry earlier this week resulted in fatalities, highlighting the dangers posed by such conditions.
Winter Storm Hernando is the second major East Coast weather system this season, following January's Winter Storm Fern, which also delivered substantial snowfall and caused widespread disruptions. Local officials are advising residents to stay informed through local forecasts and prepare for possible travel delays, power outages, and treacherous road conditions.
As the storm approaches, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly has tweeted updates, cautioning the public of the increasing confidence in significant snow accumulations and issuing Blizzard Warnings for Atlantic coastal New Jersey and Delaware. Winter Storm Warnings are also in effect for additional regions in New Jersey, Delaware, and southeast Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on the heaviest snow expected Sunday night.
The full extent of Hernando's impact remains to be seen, but forecasters are united in their expectation of significant snowfall and strong winds affecting major population centers along the I-95 corridor. The final snowfall totals will hinge on the storm's exact path, and minor deviations could dramatically alter the severity of the winter event.
