Eastern Half of U.S. Under the Gun for Snow and Rain Ahead

A storm is brewing for the Northeast and the Appalachians, set to bring significant amounts of rain and snow. While the surge of moisture will create travel issues on the roadways, the rain is good news for persistent brush fire threat across the parched region. Here is what you need to know about this major storm system.

Elevation Snowstorm Headed to the Northeast and the Appalachians

What forecasters refer to as an "elevation snowstorm" is going to bring the first measurable snow to a large part of the eastern U.S. heading into the weekend. This same weather maker will unload rain in the lower elevations, helping to dampen the fire risk and provide relief for the ongoing drought.

An influx of colder air moving into the Northeast will set the stage for the snow to develop. This storm is forecast to stall out for at least a few days, amplifying its impacts.

The snow amounts will be elevation dependent, meaning that accumulation will vary across the region. The higher terrains from northern New England and down into the mountains of North Carolina will be under the gun for the snow. This type of weather is most common in the late fall months, putting it right on schedule.

You can expect the snow to start falling late Thursday. Most of the heaviest snow will wrap up on Friday, however, some areas may see the snowflakes linger into the weekend.

Diving Into the Expected Snowfall Totals