First major winter storm of 2024 could bring heaviest snowfall in TWO YEARS from New York to Washington this weekend – and floods in the South

The East Coast is bracing for the possibility of the heaviest snowfall in two years as a massive winter storm approaches, bringing flooding south.

A strong coastal storm drenching the West Coast starting mid-week is expected to dump precipitation from New York to Washington DC this weekend.

Millions of Americans along the Interstate-95 corridor could face travel woes due to snow, ice and rain. Battery weather warning flights can also be affected by 'rapidly deteriorating' conditions.

Homeowners are being warned to get their snow gear ready, while officials are urged to reconsider their plans for severe weather.

After two relatively mild winters on the East Coast, the storm could bring the worst snowfall since the 2022 Nor'easter, with snowpacks accumulating as much as 2 feet in Boston.

The storm will come from the west first, bringing heavy rain and possible snowfall of up to 30 cm in parts.

Some parts of the East Coast could see snow for the first time since early 2022 as a Nor'easter storm emerged

Blizzard conditions also blew 8.5 inches into New York City, while Baltimore received 1.5 inches.

While it's too early to say exactly how much snow could accumulate this year, higher accumulations are forecast in the northern and western suburbs of New York and Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, New Jersey could see up to 12 inches, according to Steven DiMartino, meteorologist with NY NJ PA Weather.

The southern Rockies and southern Plains will be covered first Thursday before the storm strengthens in the southeast through early Saturday, sucking moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

As the storm moves north, it is expected to hit cold air, potentially bringing up to six inches of snow to the Interior Northeast and some parts of New England.

“The storm's main winter impacts will be limited to approximately 12 hours from late Saturday through Sunday evening,” said Courtney Travis, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist.

Travel chaos could become even worse if the storm does not roll out offshore, especially in New England and New York State, including the New York Thruway, the Massachusetts Turnpike and portions of I-89, I-91, I-93 and I -93. 95.

According to the forecaster, freezing ice could lead to a build-up of trees and power lines.

The chance of snowfall is highest on Saturday and Sunday, with travelers warned to expect 'rapidly deteriorating' conditions

The first notable storm of the year is expected to hit 20 states, from Texas to New England

Southern states will be inundated with flood warnings from the southeastern and eastern parts of the state eastward to the Florida Panhandle

Meanwhile, southern states are in for a chatter due to the expected development of a low-pressure area between Houston and New Orleans on Friday that will flood the Gulf Coast.

Forecasters in the Big Easy warn that up to two inches of rain could fall in the city, while Texans have been warned of downpours and possible thunderstorms.

Flash flood warnings have been issued from the southeastern and eastern parts of the state eastward to the Florida Panhandle.

Airline passengers traveling to and from Atlanta are advised to contact their airline as heavy rains and gusty winds may cause delays, especially in the early stages.

The first notable storm of the year is expected to affect about 20 states in total, from Texas to New England.

This weekend's forecast could end the snow drought in Philadelphia, where not an inch of snow has fallen since 2022.

The last major snowstorm off the East Coast was during the Nor'easter, which occurred that year.

A Nor'easter gets its name from the wind that forms over the coastal area of ​​the northeast.

The last major snowfall for many of the affected states was the Nor'easter storm of 2022, which hit Washington DC, pictured here

This weekend's forecast could end the snow drought in Philadelphia, where less than an inch of snow has fallen since 2022

The storms occur at any time of the year, but are most frequent and fiercest between September and April.

The phenomenon has produced some of the most destructive storms in recent history, including the Boston snowstorms of January and February 2015.

Past Nor'easters have been responsible for loss of life and billions of dollars in damage.