A powerful weekend winter storm is set to descend upon the Northeast region, bringing with it a combination of heavy snowfall and rainfall. Major cities in the area are preparing for snow accumulation that hasn't been seen in several years.

The Poconos in Pennsylvania, parts of the Hudson Valley, and portions of New England are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with the highest snowfall totals predicted in these regions. Winter storm warnings and watches have been issued across much of the Northeast, urging residents to take necessary precautions.

The Washington, D.C. area may experience a brief winter wonderland on Saturday, but the snowy landscape is expected to be quickly washed away by a mixture of rain and snow. Meteorologists have advised that the area could see bouts of heavy precipitation at times.

Areas west and north of Washington, particularly Loudoun County in Virginia, are anticipated to be most affected by the storm. In response, public schools in Loudoun County canceled on-campus activities and closed administrative offices on Saturday. The Virginia Department of Transportation has advised drivers to exercise caution due to potential icy conditions and has urged travelers to check for updates and limit travel based on weather conditions.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have echoed these warnings and urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. In addition, speed and vehicle restrictions will be implemented by the authorities throughout the duration of the storm.

The approaching storm could put an end to a snowfall drought record that has been established across the eastern United States. In Philadelphia, the number of consecutive days with less than an inch of snow reached 705 days through Friday, surpassing the previous record set on December 15, 1973. Similarly, New York City reached 691 days without significant snowfall, surpassing the previous record set on March 21, 1998. Baltimore reached 707 snowless days through Friday, breaking the previous record set on December 25, 2012.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for New York City, forecasting a total snowfall of four to eight inches, with the possibility of reaching 10 to 12 inches in a worst-case scenario. Temperatures are expected to hover in the upper 20s to lower 30s, accompanied by wind gusts of 25 mph. Motorists are advised to expect snow-covered roads and the heightened risk of downed power lines and trees due to the wintry mix.

In New England, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut, a winter storm advisory has been issued, while the interior portions of these areas are under a winter storm warning until Sunday. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont assured the public during a news conference that the state is prepared, with salt piles stocked, extra utility crews on standby, and a fleet of snowplows ready to clear the roads.

"This storm's been a long time coming," Governor Lamont stated. "It's been over two years since we've had a storm of this magnitude, 6 to 12 inches. We've got a lot of salt piled up here; it's been piling up for a while (and) some shiny new snowplows."

Residents across the Northeast region are advised to stay updated on weather conditions, heed official warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety as the winter storm approaches.