Winter Weather Whiplash Looms as 7 States Face 2 Feet of Snow and 75+ MPH Winds

After some states recently enjoyed warmer temperatures, a winter storm warning predicts that a whiplash is on the way. Additionally, a rapidly intensifying bomb cyclone Nor'easter could dump up to 2 feet of snow and deliver hurricane-force gusts of wind over 75 mph across several states.

Where Up to 2 Feet of Snow and 75+ MPH Winds Are Expected

On February 20, 2026, the chief meteorologist at NBC News affiliate WFLA-TV in Tampa, Jeff Berardelli, issued a winter storm warning on X. He cautioned that a bomb cyclone is set to strike this weekend, bringing wind gusts exceeding 75 mph and snow totals reaching between 1 and 2 feet in the hardest hit areas.

"By definition this will be a Bomb cyclone, and it now looks to become a paralyzing coastal #blizzard for New England, Long Island, and perhaps coastal New Jersey and New York City. Many will receive over a foot of snow Sunday into Monday. Coastal gusts in SE New England may reach #hurricane force 75mph+."

Berardelli continued, "This is the latest Hi-Res GRAF (IBM) available as of 4pm Friday. In my opinion it’s likely too far north and west with the heaviest snow, so take snow totals N/W of NYC with a grain of salt, for now, until we get closer to the storm. Still coastal locations in Long Island and SE New England will likely see 1-2 feet! One more note: I love snow, so for me, no snow is too much despite what the legend says :) ❄️ #snow #storm @tristateweather @ATocksin"

Based on Berardelli's forecast, the states most likely to be greatly affected are New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. On top of those core seven states, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia could also see some low-level effects.

❄️ By definition this will be a Bomb cyclone, and it now looks to become a paralyzing coastal #blizzard for New England, Long Island, and perhaps coastal New Jersey and New York City. Many will receive over a foot of snow Sunday into Monday. Coastal gusts in SE New England may… pic.twitter.com/svBxH46ptF

— Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) February 20, 2026

With heavy snow and strong winds on the way, travel can become dangerous due to whiteout conditions and poor visibility. Anyone who must drive in areas affected by this weekend's winter storm would be wise to pack a travel safety kit like the one a Men's Journal article described, based on advice from experts.

Where a 50° Winter 'Weather Whiplash' Is Expected

On the same day Jeff Berardelli warned about the Northeast storm, he posted on X about a severe temperature whiplash that is expected in Florida. The meteorologist predicted highs 25° above normal near Tampa and Miami over the weekend, followed by a quick plunge to 25° below normal early next week.

"It’s not often (almost ever) you see a map like this, where temperatures go from 25° above normal, to 25° below normal! Quite a shock to the system with dozens of record highs Friday-Saturday on the South, followed by some record lows in #Florida early week! #hot #cold"

It’s not often (almost ever) you see a map like this, where temperatures go from 25° above normal, to 25° below normal! Quite a shock to the system with dozens of record highs Friday-Saturday on the South, followed by some record lows in #Florida early week! #hot #cold pic.twitter.com/N56Q6Fry2D

— Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) February 20, 2026