Blizzard of 2026 Forecast : Live Updates
- JDJweather
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 23
Monday 7am Update:
The historic Blizzard of 2026 continues this morning with very heavy snow and whiteout conditions. Our storm is rapidly deepening south of Long Island and moving northeast. Pressure falls have been incredible with a over 24mb drop in less than 24 hours. Extremely heavy bands of snow have been pivoting into the state with snowfall rates reaching 2-3" per hour. This combined with winds gusting over 40mph have been causing frequent whiteouts.
The National Weather Service continues a blizzard warning through 6PM this evening. Heavy snow and high winds will continue through mid morning especially along the shore and Eastern Connecticut. There are some very heavy bands right now in New London and Fairfield counties. These bands will continue to form and pivot across the state causing varying levels of snowfall intensity. As we progress through late morning and afternoon snowfall rates should lighten up but we will continue to see light to moderate snow. By the evening the storm will be pulling away and most of the snow should be over by late afternoon to sunset.
Travel will be difficult to nearly impossible today as many of the secondary roads have not been plowed. Road crews are having a difficulty time keeping up with the snow, so please stay off the roads unless it's an absolute emergency.
Total Snowfall:
Our initial forecast still holds with nearly all of the state seeing at least a foot with most towns ending up in the middle of the range near 18". Amounts near 2 feet are likely especially around New London county. It's still possible we may see localized amounts over 2 feet.
Previous Sunday 7pm Update
Northeast Overview:
Forecast
As of Sunday 7pm, our storm is gaining strength east of Atlantic city New Jersey. We are closely monitoring the track and speed of our low pressure. A closer track and slower moving storm would bring in heavier snow bands and stronger damaging winds. However, a further east track would spare us from the absolute worst of the storm especially the worst wind. We will closely monitor this track and keep you posted with the latest. The blog will be updated every few hours throughout the storm.
Steady light snow will continue this afternoon and pick up to moderate to heavy at times by this evening. Blizzard conditions are expected from 8pm Sunday to 8am Monday before things slowly ease up by midday Monday. Periods of light to moderate snow and strong wind is expected into Monday afternoon.
Snowfall Amounts:
As of 7pm moderate snow has overspread much of the state with 1-2" being reported, the main roads are mostly just wet or slushly however, that will change after 8pm as heavier snow movies in. The forecast for much of the state is 12-24" of wind blown heavy snow with lesser amounts in the northwest corner. The greatest threat for the highest numbers appears to be near the shoreline and eastern CT. These large, dynamic systems that are rapidly deepening often produce very intense snowfall bands that could produce amounts up to 24 inches and possibly even more. It is impossible to pin down where these bands will set up before hand but if your area ends up falling under them expect the worst conditions. Because of this, snowfall totals will vary widely across the state, with areas that miss the intense banding seeing 8-12", while areas that experience the intense snow bands will see 18-24" or more, however most towns should see between 12-18" away from the NW corner.
Blizzard Conditions Likely:
This will be a dangerous storm due to strong winds accompanying the heavy snow. A Blizzard Warning is in effect for the entire state of Connecticut. A Blizzard is actually dependent on wind and visibility, not snowfall. Winds must gust to 35mph or greater with less than a quarter mile visibility for 3 consecutive hours. We believe this storm will easily do that with 12-18 hours or more of Blizzard conditions likely.
Wind gusts of 45-65mph are expected with wind damage and power outages likely especially on the shore where the winds will be stronger and the snow will be wetter. Scattered power outages are possible. Heavy snow rates of 1-3" per hour combined with winds of 45-65 mph will create a complete whiteout from 9pm Sunday until 9am Monday with periods of light to moderate snow through Monday afternoon combined with continued strong wind gusts creating blizzard conditions lasting until 8pm Monday. Snow drifts of 3-6 feet are likely with clean up lasting a few days.
Storm Timeline:
Through 8pm - Moderate snow and breezy conditions continue to overspread the state, winds pick up 20-35mph. 1-3" expected.
Sunday 8pm to Monday 8am - Snow heavy at times, very windy. Wind gusts 45-65mph with an additional 8-16"+ expected. White out conditions likely.
Monday 8am - 12pm - Periods of heavy snow winding down. Wind gusts 45-65mph additional 2-4" possible. White out conditions likely.
Monday 12pm - 8pm - Periods of snow tapering off by the evening. Additional 1-2" of snow possible. Wind gusts 35-55mph possible. Blizzard conditions possible.
Stay tuned for a full update tomorrow with regards to exact timing, winds and potential updated snowfall maps.
-JDJ
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