A significant winter storm is impacting the Northeastern United States, creating potential hazards for millions. The storm, which began intensifying on Tuesday, is characterized by snow and icing across multiple states.
Northeast Facing Major Winter Storm of Ice and Snow
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that a low-pressure system moving from Pennsylvania to Maine will bring substantial snowfall. Areas across the Northeast may receive at least 6 inches of snow or more, severely affecting Tuesday evening commutes.
Areas Affected
- Parts of Down East Maine may see snowfall totals reaching a foot.
- Regions in Pennsylvania to coastal Maine could experience between 5 to 10 inches of snow.
- Virginia and West Virginia are bracing for widespread icing, creating hazardous road conditions.
Maine Governor Janet Mills urged residents to exercise caution if they must travel. She advised ensuring that emergency supplies are stocked at home and in cars. Additionally, checking on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly, was recommended.
Emergency Declarations and Previous Storms
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for five northern counties most affected by the upcoming storm system.
This winter weather follows a busy travel weekend where heavy snowfall impacted various Midwest states, with reports of 6 to 11 inches across northwestern Indiana and northern Illinois. Chicago set a new record for the most snowfall in a single day in November.
Forecast for Wednesday and Beyond
By Wednesday morning, the NWS forecasts parts of New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will also accumulate at least half an inch of snow. Snowfall rates could exceed an inch per hour in some regions.
The winter storm system is expected to move out of the Northeast into Canada by Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, another winter storm system will bring snow to parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning, causing similar commuting hazards.
Residents across affected states should prepare for potentially dangerous travel conditions as this winter storm unfolds.
