A powerful winter storm, named Winter Storm Kingston, is moving toward the Mid-Atlantic, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and treacherous road conditions. Millions of residents from Virginia to New Jersey are bracing for severe weather, with travel disruptions and potential power outages expected as the storm intensifies.
How Much Snow to Expect?
Forecasters predict that Kingston will drop 4 to 8 inches of snow in several areas, with some locations seeing even higher totals. Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia are set to receive between 4 to 6 inches, while parts of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina could see up to 10 inches of accumulation. Snowfall rates may reach 2 inches per hour, making visibility and road conditions extremely dangerous.
But it’s not just the snow causing concern—ice accumulation is expected to be a major issue. Freezing rain will coat power lines, roads, and trees, raising the risk of blackouts and hazardous travel conditions.
States Taking Action as Kingston Moves In
Officials in multiple states are urging residents to prepare for dangerous conditions.
- Virginia: State authorities have already reported multiple accidents due to icy roads. The worst snowfall is expected along the Atlantic Coast, where some areas could see double-digit accumulations.
- North Carolina: The state has declared a state of emergency as Kingston moves in, with freezing rain and heavy snow expected to impact travel.
- Washington, D.C.: The capital woke up to light snowfall, with accumulations expected to reach 1.5 inches before the system moves through.
Emergency response teams are working to pre-treat roads, but officials warn that the combination of snow and ice will make driving extremely dangerous.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
With the storm set to intensify, authorities are urging residents to take precautions:
- Avoid Travel: If you don’t have to go out, stay off the roads. Ice and snow will create dangerous driving conditions.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Keep extra blankets, food, and batteries on hand in case the ice takes down power lines.
- Stay Updated: Monitor local news and weather alerts for the latest updates on Kingston’s path and impact.
What’s Next?
Winter Storm Kingston is expected to move off the coast after dumping snow and ice across the Mid-Atlantic, but another storm system may follow in its wake. Meteorologists are closely watching another potential winter storm that could develop later in the week.
For now, residents should stay prepared, stay safe, and stay indoors as Kingston moves through. This storm has the potential to cause major disruptions, so taking precautions now can make all the difference.
