The Northeastern United States is currently grappling with the season's first major winter storm, expected to unleash a barrage of ice and heavy snowfall, significantly disrupting travel for millions. This intensifying low-pressure system, tracking from Pennsylvania towards Maine, threatens to blanket several states with six inches or more of snow, making the Tuesday evening commute particularly treacherous.
Dangerous Conditions from Appalachia to Coastal Maine
Forecasters have issued warnings for parts of Appalachia, specifically along the Virginia and West Virginia border, anticipating widespread icing that could render roads and sidewalks extremely hazardous. Meanwhile, regions like Down East Maine could experience an even more significant accumulation, with snowfall potentially reaching up to a foot. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautions that snowfall rates could exceed an inch per hour in some areas, particularly in a corridor stretching from Pennsylvania's Poconos to coastal Maine, where 5 to 10 inches are projected by Wednesday morning.
States Declare Emergencies and Urge Caution
In response to the severe forecast, officials are urging residents to take precautions. Maine Governor Janet Mills stressed the importance of travel caution, stocking emergency supplies, and checking on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for five northern counties, anticipating them to bear the brunt of the storm's impact. Parts of New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire are also expected to see at least a half-inch of snow by Wednesday.
Midwest Also Hit Hard by Pre-Holiday Snow
This Northeast onslaught follows a period of intense winter weather in the Midwest over the preceding busy travel weekend. Northwestern Indiana and northern Illinois experienced 6 to 11 inches of snow, with Chicago setting a new November snowfall record for a single day. Milwaukee also saw significant accumulations, ranging from 6 inches to a foot, prompting local officials to declare a snow emergency. The impact on air travel was visible, with United Airlines planes grounded at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
Looking Ahead: A Broader Winter Picture
As the Northeast system moves into Canada by Wednesday morning, another separate winter storm is set to bring snow to parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning. The NWS office in Boulder has advised locals to prepare for a "slow, slick, and hazardous Wednesday morning commute," underscoring the widespread winter challenges facing various parts of the country.
