Severe cold persists as forecasters track a possible East Coast storm

A coastal low may develop off the Carolinas this weekend while Arctic air keeps temperatures below freezing across much of the eastern U.S., and winter storm watches are in place for parts of the Carolinas and Virginia.

Another coastal storm may form off the Carolina coast this weekend while a strong Arctic air mass continues to keep temperatures below freezing across much of the eastern United States. The recent powerful winter system already brought snow, ice and lingering impacts to large areas. Forecast models currently diverge on the storm’s track after it turns north, which affects how far up the coast wintry weather might reach. The National Weather Service has warned of significant coastal impacts and issued winter storm watches for parts of the Carolinas and Virginia. Key details: - The National Weather Service reports a coastal low-pressure system could develop off the Carolina coast on Friday, potentially setting up a weekend winter storm. - Forecast models differ on the storm’s path after it turns north; some keep it offshore while others bring it closer to the Northeast, changing who would see additional snowfall. - Winter storm watches are in effect for portions of the Carolinas and Virginia, with forecasts for heavy snow and sharply reduced visibility in some areas between Friday and Sunday. - A surge of Arctic air is expected to keep temperatures below freezing across much of the eastern U.S., with some forecast points tied to or approaching record low temperatures. Summary: Significant coastal impacts including strong onshore winds and the potential for coastal flooding are reported as possible for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast this weekend. The exact extent of snowfall farther up the coast remains uncertain and depends on the storm’s track. Winter storm watches are set to be in effect from Friday through Sunday in some areas, and forecasts will be updated as models refine the storm’s path.