Storm could dump 2 feet of snow on East Coast: Forecasters
Forecasters warned Wednesday of a major developing snowstorm that could dump snow, ice and treacherous conditions on every large Northeast city.
The Midwest and East Coast already have faced frigid temperatures this week -- and a storm due to start taking shape Thursday promises another wintery wallop for millions that is expected to last through the weekend.
Forecasters warned Wednesday of a major developing snowstorm that could dump snow, ice and treacherous conditions on every large Northeast city.
PHOTOS: Rising snow closed schools, highways in the Northeast last week
The National Weather Service warned that between 1 and 2 feet of snow could fall in the Northeast, with coastal flooding also likely.
The storm could produce a "prolific" amount of snow that affects millions across the eastern part of the U.S., according to The Weather Channel.
Could Winter Storm #Jonas rival some of the biggest East Coast snowstorms on record? Info: https://t.co/DXJ5ylVk5bpic.twitter.com/wpK4SvHuKS
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) January 20, 2016
While the track of the storm was still not immediately clear, snow is expected to start in the central plains on Thursday then move into the northeast corridor with over a foot of snow possible in some places, The Weather Channel said.
It said "some or all" of the largest cities in the Northeast -- from New York to Washington -- would be "significantly impacted," with snow and winds which could bring traffic to a "grinding halt" between Friday and Sunday.
The National Weather Service warned the central Appalachians could get at least 12 inches of powder.
Our WPC probabilities show the potential for at least 12 inches of snow by 7pm Friday over the central Appalachians. pic.twitter.com/j2qtCsJdyj
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 20, 2016
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said officials were keeping an eye on the storm but didn't expect the need for drastic measures.
"(This is) not the sort of storm that would shut down train service," he said according to NBC New York.
Connecticut residents were making preparations for a heavy hit, with local hardware stores doing brisk business in shovels, batteries and flashlights.
"We've been very busy all day, very busy selling any storm related items," the manager of Cheshire's R.W. Hine Hardware store, Tom Gaetani, told NBC Connecticut.
Been 94 years since #DC saw a 20" snowstorm. Latest long range models are both way above 20" FOR NOW. #Historicpic.twitter.com/vvkb4eGgQX
— Bill Karins (@BillKarins) January 20, 2016
See more photos of how the U.S. has faired so far this winter:
