Major snowstorm to hit Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina

A powerful winter storm is barreling toward the Atlantic coast, set to bury parts of Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina under deep snow. Meanwhile, icy conditions farther south and slippery travel in the Northeast could create hazardous conditions.

Heavy Snowfall to Hit Mid-Atlantic

The storm, which originated over the northern Pacific last week, has gathered strength while moving across the Rockies and central Plains. Now fueled by Gulf moisture, it’s set to unleash the heaviest snowfall of the season in several states before heading out to sea.

Cities like Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia; Winston-Salem and Raleigh, North Carolina; and Salisbury, Maryland are in for a snowstorm blast from Wednesday to early Thursday, with 6-12 inches of accumulation expected. Some areas in southeastern Virginia and Maryland’s Eastern Shore could see up to 25 inches in isolated spots.

Blizzard-Like Conditions to Disrupt Travel

Snowfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour, making road conditions treacherous. Major highways, including Interstates 64, 85, and 95, may face closures, and stranded motorists could become a major concern.

Air travel won’t fare any better—expect delays and cancellations to pile up on Wednesday, with lingering disruptions into Thursday.

Snow and Ice Extend Beyond the Mid-Atlantic

While the main storm will stay south, a second system driven by the jet stream will bring light snow to parts of the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, and central Appalachians, extending into the upper Mid-Atlantic and even southern New England.

However, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston are unlikely to see a major snowstorm, with only a light dusting possible in some areas.

Ice Storm Threat in the Carolinas

Farther south, a mix of sleet and freezing rain is expected across central and southeastern North Carolina into northern South Carolina. Cities such as Charlotte, Greenville, and Fayetteville, NC, as well as Greenville and Darlington, SC, could experience dangerous road conditions.

In eastern North Carolina, where freezing rain is expected to dominate, a thick layer of ice could cause widespread power outages by weighing down trees and power lines.

Cold Air to Prolong Dangerous Conditions

Once the storm moves out, cold winds will intensify on Thursday, keeping roads icy. Unlike typical Southern winter storms that melt quickly, this one’s aftermath could linger as frigid temperatures refreeze wet surfaces overnight—creating even more hazards.