Sarah was stocking up on milk and bread when her phone buzzed with the third weather alert of the day. Around her, other shoppers were doing the same dance – checking their phones, grabbing extra groceries, exchanging worried glances. An elderly man in line ahead of her shook his head. “Last time they said heavy snow was coming, I couldn’t get out of my driveway for two days,” he muttered to no one in particular.
That familiar pre-storm energy was building in the grocery store aisles. You know the feeling – that mix of excitement and anxiety when everyone realizes they might be snowed in tomorrow. Kids get excited about possible snow days, while parents mentally calculate whether they have enough coffee to survive being trapped at home.
Tonight, that scenario isn’t just possible – it’s officially confirmed. Meteorologists have issued their final warning, and the message is clear: heavy snow is coming, and it’s going to stick around.
What the Weather Experts Are Telling Us Right Now
The National Weather Service dropped the hammer this afternoon with a winter storm warning that covers the entire metro area. “This isn’t going to be a light dusting that melts by noon,” says chief meteorologist Mike Thompson. “We’re looking at a significant snowfall event that will create hazardous travel conditions for at least 12 to 18 hours.”
The heavy snow is expected to begin between 11 PM and midnight tonight. Unlike those surprise snow squalls that catch everyone off guard, this storm has been tracked for days. Meteorologists say the snow bands are already forming to the west, and satellite imagery shows exactly what’s heading our way.
Here’s what makes this storm different: it’s not moving fast. Weather patterns have aligned to create what forecasters call a “slow-moving system” – which is meteorologist speak for “this is going to stick around and dump a lot of snow.”
Temperature readings show the ground is cold enough for immediate accumulation. “We won’t see that typical scenario where the first few hours melt on contact,” explains regional weather specialist Jennifer Chang. “The snow will start sticking right away, and it’s going to build up steadily through the night.”
The Numbers You Need to Know
Emergency management officials have released specific details about what to expect over the next 24 hours:
| Start Time | 11 PM – Midnight Tonight |
| Peak Snowfall | 2-4 inches per hour between 3 AM – 8 AM |
| Expected Total | 8-12 inches in most areas |
| Wind Conditions | 15-25 mph gusts creating blowing snow |
| Temperature | Steady at 22°F – no melting expected |
The timing couldn’t be more challenging for the Monday morning commute. The heaviest snow is forecast to fall exactly when people typically leave for work and school.
- Snow accumulation rates of 2-4 inches per hour during morning rush
- Visibility reduced to less than half a mile in heavy bands
- Wind gusts creating additional hazards with blowing and drifting snow
- Sub-freezing temperatures preventing any melting on roadways
- Potential for isolated power outages from heavy, wet snow on power lines
Transportation officials are already positioning snow plows and salt trucks throughout the region. “We’re treating this like a major event because that’s exactly what it is,” says highway department supervisor Tom Rodriguez. “Our crews will be working around the clock, but even with full deployment, roads are going to be challenging.”
How This Storm Will Change Your Monday
School districts across three counties have already made the call – classes are cancelled for Monday. That decision came earlier than usual because administrators learned from previous storms when last-minute cancellations left parents scrambling.
Major employers are encouraging remote work where possible. The city’s largest hospital system has activated its emergency staffing protocol, asking essential personnel to report early or plan to stay overnight if needed.
Public transportation is preparing for significant disruptions. Bus routes that travel through hilly areas will likely suspend service during the heaviest snowfall. The subway system expects delays but plans to maintain limited service throughout the storm.
Airlines have already begun canceling flights. By this afternoon, over 200 departures scheduled for Monday morning had been called off. “We’d rather disappoint passengers today than strand them at the airport tomorrow,” explained airport operations manager Lisa Park.
Grocery stores are extending hours tonight to accommodate last-minute shoppers. Hardware stores report runs on snow shovels, ice melt, and backup generators. Gas stations are seeing longer lines as people top off their tanks before the storm hits.
Emergency services are positioning additional ambulances in strategic locations and opening warming centers for anyone who loses power or heat during the storm.
What You Should Do Right Now
Emergency management officials have a simple message: prepare now, stay put tomorrow.
“The best place to ride out heavy snow is inside your home,” says emergency coordinator Rachel Stevens. “If you absolutely must travel, wait until road crews have had time to clear main routes.”
Local authorities are sharing these immediate action items:
- Charge all electronic devices before the storm arrives
- Gather flashlights and batteries in case of power outages
- Stock up on non-perishable food and bottled water
- Clear gutters and outdoor drains to prevent ice dams
- Bring pets indoors and secure outdoor furniture
- Fill prescriptions that might be needed over the next few days
For those who must drive during or immediately after the storm, transportation experts recommend keeping emergency kits in vehicles. That means blankets, water, snacks, a phone charger, and small shovel.
The message from weather experts and emergency officials is consistent: this heavy snow event is going to be significant, but it’s not going to be a surprise. Unlike storms that develop quickly and catch everyone off guard, this one comes with plenty of advance warning.
“We’ve given people time to prepare,” notes meteorologist Thompson. “Now it’s up to everyone to take that preparation seriously and make smart choices about travel and safety.”
FAQs
When exactly will the heavy snow start tonight?
Snow is expected to begin between 11 PM and midnight, with steady accumulation starting immediately.
How long will the snow continue?
The heavy snowfall should continue through Monday morning, gradually tapering off by late afternoon.
Will schools and businesses be closed Monday?
Most school districts have already announced closures, and many employers are encouraging remote work or delayed openings.
Is this storm expected to cause power outages?
There’s potential for scattered outages, especially in areas with heavy, wet snow accumulating on power lines.
When will roads be safe for travel again?
Main highways should be passable by Monday evening, but side streets and residential areas may take longer to clear.
Should I stock up on groceries and supplies?
Yes, emergency officials recommend having enough food, water, and essential supplies for at least 72 hours.