Washington, Midwest Brace for Winter Storm
A fast-paced winter storm is forecast to impact the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, bringing snowfall and icy conditions. Federal offices in Washington, D.C., have been instructed to close early, while air and train services face disruptions.
The U.S. Weather Prediction Center anticipates up to 6 inches of snow in the nation's capital beginning Tuesday midday, intensifying overnight. Scott Kleebauer, a forecaster with the Prediction Center, notes that "the prime time for snowfall in the DC area will be after dark."
New York City could receive approximately an inch of snow, while southern New Jersey may see accumulations of up to 5 inches. Amtrak has canceled several trains operating through Virginia, and nearly 150 flights at Washington Reagan National Airport have been canceled as of 7 a.m., according to FlightAware.
Winter storm warnings have been issued from southern Indiana to New Jersey. The storm is also expected to cause flooding in parts of eastern Tennessee and potentially bring ice accumulation to West Virginia and Virginia, which could lead to power outages, traffic disruptions, and tree damage.
A second storm is predicted to hit on Wednesday, bringing up to 8 inches of snow to Chicago and rain across much of the Mid-Atlantic.