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December 29, 2000 — A major Northeast winter storm is approaching Eastern Virginia up through Maine this New Year's holiday weekend. Snow should begin in Washington, DC, around midnight on Friday and continue into Saturday morning as the storm moves up the coast. Frigid temperatures will accompany the storm, according to NOAA's National Weather Service.

(Click image for larger view. NOAA photo of aftermath of January 2000 storm in Arlington, Va.)

The current forecast track of the storm suggests that Washington, DC, will be on the fringes of the storm receiving only 2 to 6 inches of snowfall. Any shift in the storm track could produce greater snowfall, however, and citizens are urged to stay tuned to their NOAA Weather Radio or local weather stations for up-to-date forecasts. Areas to the east of Washington (Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware, New Jersey) could see more than a foot of snow from this storm by Saturday evening.

Moving up the coast, the storm is anticipated to reach Philadelphia after midnight Friday, bringing heavy winds and approximately a foot of snow before it tapers off Sunday morning. New York City will likely see snow beginning Saturday morning, accumulating up to one foot. The storm will then move into New England, bringing a foot or more of snow and near blizzard conditions. Seas will be rough, marine forecasters said, with storm warnings in effect for New England waters for winds reaching 50-55 mph. Wave heights could reach 22 feet.

Travel will be impacted from eastern Virginia up through Maine on Saturday and Sunday. The NWS urges all holiday travelers to plan accordingly. Residents are encouraged to monitor the storm through NOAA Weather Radio or their usual media source and be extremely weather conscious over the New Year holiday weekend.

Relevant Web Sites
UPS AND DOWNS MARK YEAR IN WEATHER FOR 2000, NOAA SAYS
FORECASTERS UPDATE WINTER 2000-01 OUTLOOK

2000 IN REVIEW: THE YEAR BEGAN WITH RECORD WARMTH IN THE U.S. AND ENDS WITH COLDER THAN NORMAL TEMPERATURES ACROSS MUCH OF THE COUNTRY
Annual U.S. and Global Temperatures Remain Well above Average

The following National Weather Service Web sites are available to provide up-to-the-minute winter weather information.

Current winter storm watches, warnings and temperatures across the United States

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center — Winter Outlook 2000-2001

National forecasts that extend from three to 14 days in advance

Winter weather safety and preparedness tips to handle snow, ice, wind and bitter cold temperatures

Map showing the latest conditions over the United States

NOAA's Weather Page — includes latest satellite images and weather maps

NOAA's National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

NOAA's National Weather Service's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

NOAA's National Marine Prediction Center

NOAA ISSUES NATION'S OFFICIAL WINTER OUTLOOK — Initial outlook unveiled October 12, 2000

NOAA Weather Radio

Media Contacts:
Curtis Carey, Susan Weaver, NOAA's National Weather Service, (301) 713-0622, Bob Chartuk, NOAA's National Weather Service Eastern Region, (631) 244-0166 or Carmeyia Gillis, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, (301) 763-8000, ext. 7163