A powerful and expansive winter storm has placed at least 18 states across the United States on high alert, delivering a disruptive mix of heavy snow, biting winds, and rare southern snowfall from the Gulf Coast to New England.
Widespread Disruption and Rare Southern Snowfall
The sprawling system unleashed its fury over the weekend, blanketing much of the East Coast from New Jersey and New York to Pennsylvania and Connecticut with snow early on Sunday. While New England residents anticipated a typical winter dose of up to six inches, the storm's more remarkable impact was felt hundreds of miles south.
A rare winter storm warning was issued for parts of southern Georgia, northwestern Florida, and southeastern Alabama, sending residents into a frenzy. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an unusual 'heavy snow' warning for sections of Georgia, with one to three inches forecast. Snow was reported on the ground in Warner Robbins, Georgia, and flakes fell in Pensacola, Florida, and parts of Alabama.
"On average we have an event like this maybe every few years. But having two back to back I'd say is pretty anomalous for the area," said Kristian Oliver, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Tallahassee, referencing a similar event in January 2025.
Dangerous Conditions and Travel Warnings
The storm's chaos extended well beyond initial forecasts. On Saturday, it triggered sudden whiteout conditions in the Midwest before surging eastward. In northeastern Ohio, bursts of heavy snow and strong winds reduced visibility to near zero in the Cleveland area, with squalls pushing toward Pennsylvania and New York.
The NWS warned travellers to expect "visibilities of less than a quarter of a mile and rapid snow accumulation on roadways," stating that travel would be "difficult and possibly dangerous." While Atlanta was not under the formal warning, officials cautioned that southern portions of the metro area, including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, could face impacts.
In the Northeast, winter weather alerts covered major cities from Boston to Philadelphia. Higher elevations saw significant accumulation, with nearly 11 inches reported in parts of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. New York City and New Jersey residents woke to snow-covered streets on Sunday, with the snow continuing to fall through much of the day.
Bitter Cold Follows in Storm's Wake
Forecasters emphasise that the storm's true punch lies not only in the snow but in the severe cold trailing behind it. The Weather Prediction Center warned that dangerously low temperatures will grip much of the central and eastern United States into early next week.
"The next few nights are forecast to be very cold for much of the Central and Eastern United States," the centre stated. "Sub-zero wind chills are forecast from the Plains to the Midwest and Northeast," with the most extreme conditions expected in the Upper Midwest on Sunday night.
Blizzard warnings were in effect for parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, where winds gusting to 55 mph threatened whiteout conditions. As the massive system slowly unwinds, meteorologists predict the frigid air will linger well into the middle of the coming week, prolonging the hazardous conditions.
