Snow, Strong Storms Target Northeast, Mid-Atlantic | WeatherBug
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Snow, Strong Storms Target Northeast, Mid-Atlantic

April 21, 2021
Updated By WeatherBug Meteorologists
After leaving a trail of snow from the Rockies into the Ohio Valley, a potent cold front is moving across the East Coast this afternoon. Rain, snow and even some severe thunderstorms will all be possible.

The strong Canadian cold front that has wreaked havoc across much of the U.S. the past few days will continues its slow across the eastern U.S.. A strengthening low pressure system north of the front will also be slow to drift from New England into Nova Scotia and New Brunswick through the end of the work week.  

Light to moderate snow will also spread throughout northern New England this afternoon and eveing. Occasional light snow showers could continue throughout Thursday and even early Friday morning. When all is said and done, 3 to 6 inches will be common across northern and western New York eastward, with parts of northern Maine potentially picking up close to a foot of wet snow.

Winter Weather Advisories stretch from northern New York into extreme northern parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Meanwhile, on the southern edge of this low pressure system, a line of showers and strong to severe thunderstorms could push across the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England this afternoon. Cities such as Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia, Trenton and Atlantic City, N.J.,  New York City, New Haven, Conn., and Springfield, Mass., will need to keep an eye out on quickly changing weather. The main threats within thunderstorms today will be damaging winds more than 50 to 60 mph. However, large hail and an isolated brief tornado cannot be ruled out.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been posted from the Maryland Eastern Shore northward into western Massachusetts. This includes the Delaware Valley and the greater New York city area. 

Even for those areas that don't see snow this week, this potent storm means business with regard to temperatures. The Canadian airmass being propelled by the low into the Central U.S. will drop temperatures some 10 to 20 degrees below average, with highs that should regularly be in the 50s and 60s instead replaced by 30s and 40s. This means that overnight readings could tumble below the freezing mark in many areas where the growing season is already underway. If you have outdoor plants, be sure to cover them or bring them inside if possible, to prevent frost damage.

It is important to have an emergency kit prepared should you be stranded. A simple kit comprised of non-perishable food items, blankets, water, batteries, and a radio could go a long way in remaining safe when calamity strikes.