Winter Storm Cora Threatens South, Northeast Braces for Potential Impact

Winter Storm Cora has unleashed heavy snow and ice across the Plains, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic, marking one of the most severe winter weather events in years. The storm is now shifting its focus to the South, with Dallas, Atlanta, and Raleigh bracing for significant impacts, while Cincinnati and Washington, D.C., are expected to see milder effects. The Gulf Coast, however, is likely to avoid severe weather, according to the latest forecasts.

In the Northeast, uncertainty looms as forecasters monitor the storm’s potential impact on Massachusetts this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that while an offshore track is increasingly likely, a closer pass could still bring light snowfall to southern New England. “We are more and more favoring an offshore track, but we can’t completely rule out a closer pass with more of an impact in southern New England,” the NWS stated.

Caitlyn Mensch, a meteorologist with the NWS Boston office, emphasized that the latest forecast models suggest a reduced likelihood of a major winter storm in Massachusetts. However, she cautioned that a weaker system could still bring light snow accumulation. “We still do have a chance that we could get a weaker system that passes just more north this weekend, and that could actually bring a little bit of some light accumulation of snow,” Mensch said.

If the storm does affect Massachusetts, residents could see snow showers throughout Saturday, with potential accumulations of up to three inches. “A lot of the times, storms like these can vary,” Mensch noted, highlighting the unpredictability of winter weather patterns.

As Winter Storm Cora continues its path, communities across the South and Northeast are urged to stay updated on local forecasts and prepare for possible disruptions. The storm’s trajectory remains fluid, and its final impact will depend on its exact path in the coming days.