Meteorologists Brody_wx and MatthewCappucci reported the 18z HRRR model forecasting widespread snowfall totals of around 2 feet or more with wind gusts of 50-60 mph across the Northeast, while blizzard warnings expand further inland, in X posts between 9:15 PM and 10:15 PM UTC on February 21, 2026, during this 59-minute window. Brody_wx stated the 18z HRRR presents a worrying scenario with significant snowfall and strong winds, urging people to stay tuned to local forecasts as blizzard warnings expand inland, according to an X post at https://x.com/Brody_wx/status/2025297688594448536. MatthewCappucci noted evening guidance nudging snowfall totals upward, with a blizzard blitz for southern New England and Long Island, and likely blizzard conditions with double-digit totals near and east of New York City and Philadelphia, as stated in an X post at https://x.com/MatthewCappucci/status/2025326615408877861. BostonWxConsult highlighted a four-run trend on the NAM model trending more favorably with a trailing vortex shifting the storm's orientation and slowing it down, according to an X post at https://x.com/BostonWxConsult/status/2025306561451635105. These updates build on prior HRRR projections of 20-40 inches across New Jersey, New York City, parts of Connecticut, and eastern Massachusetts reported by NbergWX and WxmanFranz earlier in the evening. The developments follow the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron's first of three Hurricane Hunters missions launched at 7:15-7:45 PM UTC to gather data on the system, as reported by JeremyDeHartWX. National Weather Service forecasts continue to project 13-18 inches for New York City from Sunday 6:00 AM to Monday 6:00 PM UTC, with Blizzard Warnings in place from Boston to southern Delaware.
