News

A major nor’easter is poised to bring blizzard conditions to the Boston area late this weekend into Monday, potentially dumping over a foot of snow and unleashing powerful winds. The storm, developing off the North Carolina coastline, is expected to rapidly intensify as it moves north-northeasterly, bringing a complex and hazardous weather situation to Massachusetts and surrounding states.

The upcoming storm differs from January’s snowfall event, which featured light and fluffy snow. This system will bring heavier, wetter snow, particularly along the coast and Cape Cod, increasing the risk of power outages and even roof collapses. Combined with sustained winds, blizzard conditions – characterized by reduced visibility and dangerous travel – are almost certain in many areas. Coastal flooding is also a significant concern during high tide cycles.

Storm Intensification and Track

Meteorologists describe the storm as a “bomb cyclone,” a term for a rapidly deepening low-pressure system. This intensification will occur as the storm travels north, with the center expected to pass either directly over or just southeast of the benchmark location of 40N/70W – a position historically favorable for classic New England nor’easters.

The storm will initiate to take shape on Sunday and will undergo “bombogenesis” as it moves north-northeasterly Sunday night and Monday, rapidly strengthening into a major winter storm.

Timing and Snowfall Forecast

The first snowflakes could arrive as early as just after sunset on Sunday. The steadiest snowfall is forecast to spread across the region from south to north between 10 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday. By Monday morning, the storm will be in full force, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding 1 inch per hour for several consecutive hours, making travel extremely dangerous.

Eastern Massachusetts, particularly areas along and east of I-95 – including the North and South Shores, Boston Metro, Cape Cod, and the Islands – are predicted to receive 10-16 inches of snow. West of the Worcester Hills, snowfall totals are expected to be lower, ranging from 6-10 inches, with amounts decreasing further inland. Forecasters note the potential for “extreme banding,” meaning localized areas could see significantly higher snowfall totals, while nearby areas receive less.

Wind and Coastal Concerns

Strong winds are a major component of this storm. Northeast gusts are forecast to reach 55-70 mph or higher across southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Just inland, gusts could range from 40-55 mph. These powerful winds, combined with heavy snowfall, create a high likelihood of blizzard conditions along the immediate coastline and over Cape Cod and the Islands. An official blizzard requires visibility of less than ¼ mile for at least three consecutive hours, accompanied by sustained or frequent wind gusts exceeding 35 mph.

Power outages are a significant risk due to the combination of heavy snow and strong winds. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also expected during Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning high tides, with potential for significant splashover, coastal inundation, and beach erosion. Peak tides are anticipated around 3 p.m. Monday and again between 3-4 a.m. Tuesday.

Residents throughout the region should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions. Stay informed about the latest forecasts and heed any warnings issued by local authorities. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding poses a serious threat to public safety.

As the storm approaches, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information. The situation remains dynamic, and further adjustments to the forecast are possible. Monitor conditions closely and prepare accordingly.

Share this information with your friends and family, and let us understand in the comments how you are preparing for the storm.

Jefferson City, MO – A Jefferson City man is facing felony charges following an alleged assault on an elderly, disabled man within his household. The incident, which occurred recently, has prompted a police investigation and raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable residents in the community. Details surrounding the assault remain under investigation, but court documents indicate the severity of the alleged offense.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the particular vulnerability of elderly and disabled individuals. Authorities responded to a report of an assault at a residence in Jefferson City, leading to the arrest and subsequent charging of the suspect. The victim sustained injuries requiring medical attention, though the extent of those injuries has not been publicly disclosed. This incident underscores the importance of reporting suspected abuse and providing support to those at risk.

Details of the Alleged Assault

According to charging documents, the suspect allegedly struck the elderly man, who is described as disabled, within their shared residence. The specific circumstances leading to the assault are still being investigated by the Jefferson City Police Department. The suspect has been charged with a felony offense, indicating the seriousness of the alleged crime. KOMU 8 reported on the recent charges filed in the case.

The suspect initially provided law enforcement with a false identity, further complicating the investigation. He allegedly used his brother’s identification in an attempt to conceal his identity. This action resulted in additional charges related to obstruction of justice and providing false information to authorities. KRCG detailed the charges, including the apply of a false name.

Suspect’s Identity and Legal Proceedings

Whereas authorities have not released the suspect’s name publicly in all reports, court records identify him as a resident of Jefferson City. He is currently facing felony charges related to the assault and providing false information to law enforcement. ABC17NEWS reported that charges were refiled after the suspect provided a false identity.

The suspect is currently awaiting a court date to address the charges. The legal process will involve arraignment, potential plea negotiations, and, if no agreement is reached, a trial. The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented and the decisions made by the court. The Cole County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the prosecution of this case.

Separate Incident: Shooting in Jefferson City

In a separate incident, two women from Jefferson City are receiving treatment at University Hospital following a shooting in the Capital City. Details surrounding the shooting are still emerging, and the police are investigating the circumstances. This incident is unrelated to the assault case but highlights a recent increase in violent crime in the area. KWOS has more information on the shooting.

As the investigation into the assault continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The safety and well-being of vulnerable residents remain a top priority for the Jefferson City Police Department. The community is encouraged to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

What comes next is a waiting game as the legal process unfolds. The suspect’s next court appearance will be a key checkpoint, and the outcome of any plea negotiations will significantly impact the timeline. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting those who are most vulnerable within our community.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to local resources for assistance.

The U.S. Economy has absorbed the majority of the economic damage resulting from tariffs implemented by former President Donald Trump, according to Fabio Panetta, a member of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council.

Panetta’s assessment, made public on Thursday, February 21, 2026, directly challenges narratives that portrayed the tariffs as a successful strategy for bolstering American manufacturing and trade. He stated that the tariffs have disproportionately harmed the U.S., despite being intended to address trade imbalances.

The remarks came as the European Central Bank faces increasing uncertainty with the potential departure of President Christine Lagarde. Reports suggest Lagarde may step down before the end of her mandate, potentially to ensure a successor is in place ahead of upcoming elections in France, where far-right parties are gaining traction. Although the ECB has not confirmed these reports, Lagarde herself has offered carefully worded statements that do not explicitly deny the possibility of an early exit.

Panetta, who has served as the Governor of the Bank of Italy since 2023, has been a vocal advocate for a more flexible monetary policy within the ECB. In November 2024, he called for a more robust approach to interest rate cuts to combat sluggish economic growth and an industrial slump within the Eurozone. He argued that with inflation nearing the ECB’s 2 percent target, the focus should shift to stimulating economic activity. Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau echoed similar concerns, suggesting a shifting balance of risks towards slower growth.

The ECB cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to 3.25 percent in October 2025, responding to weak economic data. Panetta has advocated for a “directional guidance” approach to monetary policy, aiming to provide clearer signals to businesses and households and avoid abrupt policy shifts.

Panetta’s comments on the tariffs align with broader concerns within the ECB regarding the potential impact of renewed protectionist measures from a potential second Trump administration. In December 2025, Panetta delivered a speech outlining the challenges to the international monetary system, noting that the U.S. Announced the steepest tariff increase since the Great Depression in April of that year, triggering market volatility and a weakening of the dollar.

The ECB has not issued a formal response to Panetta’s latest remarks regarding the tariffs. Lagarde, when questioned about her future at the ECB, stated her “baseline” is to complete her mandate, but stopped short of a definitive commitment.