Another Winter Storm Heads for the East—Big Snowfall or a Bust?

A new winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest and heading toward the East Coast, but forecasters say its impact could range from a major snow event to barely anything at all for big cities.

Where Is the Storm Now?

As of Monday, the storm was taking shape over the Central Plains, bringing heavy snowfall to parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

• Kansas City and Springfield could see 6 inches or more of snow.
• St. Louis sits on the northern edge, meaning it could get just a dusting—or several inches.

“They’re going to be shoveling snow—we just don’t know how much,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines.

Brutal Cold to Follow

• More than 100 daily record-low temperatures could be broken across the Midwest between Tuesday and Friday.
• Subzero temperatures may push as far south as Oklahoma.
• The Northern Plains, including Montana and North Dakota, could see wind chills drop to a brutal -60°F.

Will the East Coast Get Hit?

The storm is expected to move east toward North Carolina before turning north. The strength and sharpness of this turn will determine how much snow cities like Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston get—if any.

• Washington, D.C. is right on the edge of the storm’s path. It could see anywhere from zero to six inches of snow by Thursday night.
• New York, Philadelphia, and Boston are more likely to avoid major snowfall unless the storm shifts significantly.

Kines’ prediction? “If I were betting, I wouldn’t bet on a lot of snow.”

Wintry Mix for the South?

The Carolinas and Georgia could see a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially causing travel issues.

• Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee may also experience ice, though it likely won’t last long.
• Longer daylight hours and a stronger February sun angle will help melt the ice quickly, Kines noted.

What’s Next?

This storm could be one of the last major winter events of the season, according to AccuWeather. But with unpredictable turns and last-minute shifts, Tuesday’s forecast will be key in determining whether the East gets buried in snow—or barely sees a flurry.