Latest forecast as NYC declares snow emergency and Virginia issues ice warning

Follow the latest updates

The US Capitol is enveloped with mist on Wednesday as much of the East Coast braces for snow (AFP via Getty Images)

A winter storm warning is in place for much of the East Coast of the United States, with up to 14 inches of snow predicted and wind gusts of 45mph from Winter Storm Gail.

The weather service posted winter storm warnings, watches and advisories all the way from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, down to northeastern Georgia, a distance of more than 850 miles. More than 70 million people were under a winter storm warning or advisory.

Near-blizzard conditions are expected to slam into New York on Wednesday evening, in the biggest storm to hit the city since January 2016. Bill de Blasio has announced schools will be shut on Thursday.

Up to two feet of snow are being forecast for inland areas in Pennsylvania, New York State, and much of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The cities of Washington DC and Philadelphia will be sitting right on the dividing line between precipitation types, making for a messy mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain and possibly, cold rain as the storm intensifies and moves along the East Coast.

People are being told to avoid all but essential travel.

Airlines have cancelled 700 flights and delayed almost 400 due to the impending storm.

States declare emergency as biggest snowstorm in years rolls towards New York City

Key Points

• A winter weather warning is in place for an 850 mile stretch of the East Coast, from Georgia to Cape Cod
• More than 70 million people were under a winter storm warning or advisory
• Some inland areas in Pennsylvania have been told to expect up to two feet of snow
• New York City could see 14 inches, and gusts of wind 45 mph strong
• Airlines have cancelled 700 flights and 400 more have been delayed

[16 December 2020 19:33 · Harriet Alexander]

Welcome to our live  coverage of the significant storm heading up the East Coast

Hello!

Welcome to our live coverage of the impending storm. If you’re reading this in the eastern United States, I hope you are somewhere warm and cosy.

Winter weather warnings are in place from northern Georgia to Cape Code - a distance of 850 miles.

And in Washington DC, the first flakes are already falling…

[16 December 2020 19:40 · Harriet Alexander]

Snow falling on the White House

The Washington Post’s photographer has captured the scene at the White House, as the first flakes fall.

[16 December 2020 20:16 · Harriet Alexander]

Mayor of New York warns of “biggest snowfall in several years”

Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, is telling his city to brace itself.

“We have not had many storms like this in the past few years, thank God,” he said.

"We’ve seen much less snow than we did a few years back.

“So, this could be the biggest storm in several years.”

He has announced that schools will shut on Thursday.

[16 December 2020 20:45 · Harriet Alexander]

Satellite images show the scale of Winter Storm Gail

The storm will stretch 850 miles from northern Georgia to Cape Cod (NOAA)

Snow is forecast throughout Wednesday and Thursday (NOAA)

[16 December 2020 21:40 · Harriet Alexander]

Driving conditions treacherous in Pennsylvania

[16 December 2020 21:55 · Harriet Alexander]

Governor of Pennsylvania warns of power outages

Tom Wolf, the governor of Pennsylvania, has signed a winter weather emergency proclamation, adding power outages were a possibility.

In a statement, he said:

"Models predict that the first significant winter storm in nearly a year will hit Pennsylvania tomorrow.

"The commonwealth's emergency preparedness teams have spent a great deal of time and energy over the last several months supporting efforts to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic and help the commonwealth weather this public health emergency and ensure vaccines are delivered as planned.

"This proclamation makes it easier for all of those involved in vaccine delivery and keeping people safe to do their jobs."

[16 December 2020 22:15 · Graeme Massie]

National Weather Service shares photos from Washington DC forecasters

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Snowflake Here are photos shared by our forecasters around  Washington, DC from 12:30-1pm today, ” the NWS tweeted.

“Ordering the photos West to East shows the difference location made for snowfall with this event, even over a short distance.”

[16 December 2020 22:40 · Graeme Massie]

Weather in Pennsylvania like a ‘snow globe’

Pennsylvania capital city Harrisburg set to receive more snow from Winter storm Gail than they did the whole of last year.

[16 December 2020 23:02 · Graeme Massie]

Virginia authorities warn about black ice danger

“As the sun sets and temperatures drop roads will begin to freeze. Ice on roads, bridges, and overpasses, often referred to as black ice, is very difficult to see while driving,” tweeted the state’s Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

“Reduce your speeds, build in extra travel time, and focus on driving.”

[16 December 2020 23:09 · Graeme Massie]

New York’s Citi Bikes to shut because of snow

Users will not be able to rent the popular bikes from 7pm ET and the system will stay shut until weather improves.