Brewing Nor-easter Bomb Cyclone Threatens Mid-Atlantic As Meteorologists Split Over Models
We've seen this winter storm story before: low pressure develops off the East Coast. The question now is which model is correct: ECMWF or GFS.
Alright, we're pretty much down to 2 scenarios at this point. ~48 hours till start time. Euro/Euro AI/CMC sticking to scenario 1. GFS/NAM with scenario 2. Either way, an impactful snow event is on the way for someone here in SNE/Mid-Atl. Just a matter of who... pic.twitter.com/AospuqpWoE
— Weather Sphere (@WeatherSphere22) February 20, 2026
"We are barely two days away from what the American GFS model is simulating as a blockbuster snowstorm in the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C. The European model, however, depicts a more modest 3.1 inches," MyRadar Weather wrote on X, adding, "Put bluntly, we think the GFS is off its rocker."
There is growing confidence among meteorologists that the late-weekend storm may become a "significant nor'easter with strong winds and heavy snow along parts of the Atlantic coast," and could even become a bomb cyclone as it moves away, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said.
Meteorologists Ryan Maue warned...
BREAKING ⚠️
— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) February 20, 2026
The newest data has arrived. A powerful "bomb cyclone" will become a "blockbuster blizzard" for New England. ❄️💣
The snow totals could really ramp up prior to Monday's epic event 📈 pic.twitter.com/ESWOygSHRW
Large stretches of the Interstate 95 corridor - from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, to New York, and up to Boston - could be blanketed with accumulating snow. However, at this point, pinning down snowfall forecasts is too premature until confidence improves in the storm's track.
Via Capital Weather Gang:
"The exact track of this storm, along with how quickly it strengthens, will determine how much snow falls in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast," AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said. "The supply of cold air is limited, which could also affect snowfall totals."
For those traveling to or from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend, it's wise to keep an eye on which model meteorologists favor, because one scenario brings several inches, while the other shows a blockbuster winter event.