'Extreme' Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 6 States Amid 3 Feet of Snow, 80 mph Winds
A major winter storm is expected to hit the Northeast of the United States with a band of heavy snow expected to drop 10 to 20 inches of snow from Maryland to Maine over the next 24 hours.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm and blizzard warnings stretching from the Central Appalachian Mountains to Coastal Maine.
"As the low center begins to explosively develop late afternoon and tonight, light to moderate snowfall this morning is expected to rapidly increase in coverage and intensity along the I-95 corridor north of Washington D.C., where snowfall rates will eclipse 2-3" per hour at times," the NWS said.
"When combined with strong wind gusts upwards of 40-70 mph, blizzard conditions will quickly materialize from the Eastern Shore of Maryland through southeastern New England, making travel extremely treacherous in these areas."
National Weather Service Upgrades to 'Extreme' Warning
As the storm reaches peak intensity, the National Weather Service upgraded its warning for several states as parts of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts face heavy snowfall and dangerous winds.
"The latest Winter Storm Severity Index highlights areas including southeast PA, NJ, Long Island, RI, and southeast MA as having the highest impact level. This means extensive and widespread disruptions to daily life, as well as dangerous or impossible travel," the National Weather Service announced on social media showing a map.
???? EXTREME Impacts
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 22, 2026
The latest Winter Storm Severity Index highlights areas including southeast PA, NJ, Long Island, RI, and southeast MA as having the highest impact level. This means extensive and widespread disruptions to daily life, as well as dangerous or impossible travel. pic.twitter.com/kau1a1iD8r
Up to 36 Inches of Snow, 80 mph Winds to Hit
Most states in the path of the storm are expected to receive anywhere between 12-18 inches of snow. However, Accuweather's latest forecast shows up to three feet of snow are possible in some locations.
"Near the coast from New Jersey and Long Island, New York, through southeastern New England, 12-18 inches of snow is forecast with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 36 inches. Depending on small changes in the storm strength and track, 12-18 inches of snow is possible in coastal Delaware and Maryland as well," the Accuweather forecast said.
Meteorologist Max Velocity revealed "wind gusts between 50-80 MPH, beginning late Sunday and ending late Monday," are expected to bring blizzard conditions.
The heavy snow and high winds are expected to combine for dangerous power outages.
"The clinging nature of the snow and high winds will put a strain on trees and power lines, with extensive power outages anticipated," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus warned.
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