National Weather Service Issues Watches for Three Mid‑Atlantic States The National Weather Service released winter storm watches for West Virginia, western Maryland and Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Feb. 4, warning of significant snowfall and hazardous conditions within the next 48 hours [1]. The system follows a bomb cyclone that dumped over a foot of snow in parts of North Carolina last weekend, making the new storm less intense but still dangerous [1]. Officials expect heavy snow from Wednesday through Thursday, with impacts extending into Friday morning and Saturday morning [1].

Projected Snowfall Amounts and Wind Gusts by State Charleston’s NWS office predicts 4‑7 inches of snow for West Virginia with gusts up to 50 mph, reducing visibility and creating slippery roads Friday morning through Saturday morning [1]. Baltimore’s office forecasts up to 6 inches for Maryland, strong winds, dangerously low wind chills, possible whiteout conditions on I‑68/US‑40, and sporadic power outages from falling trees and downed lines [1]. Pittsburgh and State College offices alert Pennsylvania to up to 6 inches of snow, sub‑quarter‑mile visibility, and difficult commuting on Friday evening and Saturday morning [1].

Additional Weather Impacts Include Rain, Sleet, and Ice in North Carolina winter weather advisory for North Carolina notes most precipitation will fall as rain, sleet or freezing rain, with NWS meteorologist Aaron Swiggett telling Newsweek that measurable snow is unlikely [1]. The advisory highlights the mixed‑precipitation threat despite the storm’s primary focus on the Mid‑Atlantic [1].

Storm Timeline Predicts Peak Snow Wednesday‑Thursday The watches anticipate the heaviest snowfall to occur Wednesday and Thursday across the three states, with lingering hazards into the weekend as snow accumulates and winds persist [1]. Travelers are urged to prepare for reduced visibility, whiteout conditions, and potential road closures during the peak period [1].