Massive Winter Storm Jonas Expected to Dump Historic Snow Along East Coast Corridor

Details

Category: Earth, Air, Space Science

Published on Friday, 22 January 2016 13:37

Written by Janet Walker

A perfectly formed Nor'Easter is expected to pummel the East Coast with blizzard conditions, record breaking snowfalls, and whipping winds, subzero temperatures, whiteouts, and icy roads are expected as the weather gradually worsens throughout Friday into the weekend.

As the first severe winter storm of the season barrels up the eastern seaboard, forecasters are calling for historic snowfalls in Washington, D.C. where true predictions are expecting up to three feet of snow to blanket the region and bury the beltway.

A preview of the hazardous conditions expected in the Nation's Capital and surrounding Virginia and Maryland came yesterday as slick conditions caused the President to slip debarking Air Force One and his motorcade remained stalled in traffic nearly one hour, slipping on the black ice and bumping into curbs, for the usually short 20 minute trip from Andrews Air Force base.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard watch warning that "potential life-threatening conditions are expected Friday night into Saturday night."

Washington D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, encouraged residents to understand the strength of this storm.  Acknowledging this is a major storm with life and death implications. She has urged residents to shelter in place, stay indoors and check on relatives, loved ones and neighbors and simply in a concerned neighbor as the D.C. area is expected to be the bullseye with computer modules calling for 30 or more inches of snow.

Approximately 75million people who live on the eastern corridor and inland are being warned of the impact of this storm. Nearly 30 million of those are under blizzard watches.

Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, the District of Columbia. New York State and the metropolitan area of New York City may escape this storm although precautions are being made in case the winter blasts travels that far north.

American Airlines have cancelled 4,500 flights out of Washington Dulles International Airport and other cancellations are expected. All transportation is experiencing delays or cancellations. Check with your carrier throughout the day for updates.

The list of necessities for emergency preparedness remain the standard. By nightfall on the east coast effected residents will be homebound either by law or nature for two to three days. Extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, charge all electronics, a battery operated radio (!?) medicine, food and other personal items needed for comfort. 

Images courtesy of The Weather Channel