More than 10 million folks in the Northeast and Great Lakes are currently facing winter weather alerts, with icy conditions and snowfall likely to impact travel plans and holiday festivities.
From New York City all the way to Chicago, people are gearing up for possible disruptions, while parts of the West are getting ready for heavy rain and mountain snow.
In the Northeast, it’s going to be a chilly start to the holiday week thanks to an arctic air mass that’s making its way through the area.
Sunday was officially the coldest morning we’ve had this season, and Monday is still pretty frigid, though some places might see a slight warming. Over the weekend, residents enjoyed some snowfall, but more is on tap for Tuesday that could make commuting tricky.
In NYC specifically, there’s a 40% chance of snow showers after 4 a.m. on Tuesday which could create slippery roads during the morning rush hour.
Meteorologist Mike Woods from FOX 5 NY cautioned everyone to keep an eye out: “Snow showers will move in tonight which might lead to a slick commute tomorrow morning.” Areas just north of NYC—including upstate New York and parts of Maine—could see anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of snow.
While it looks like NYC won’t quite hit that magical one inch needed for a White Christmas, there may still be some lingering snow showers on Christmas Eve.
However, regions further inland in the Northeast and those further north have a better chance at seeing significant snow cover this holiday season.
Midwest and Great Lakes Prepare for More Snow
The Midwest, with cities like Chicago and Detroit, is in the grip of winter weather, leading to snowy and icy travel conditions. The Great Lakes area is expected to get even more snow through Tuesday, with some places possibly seeing up to 6 inches (15.24 cm). Residents are urged to be cautious while traveling during this busy holiday season.
Heavy Rain and Snow in the West
While the East is dealing with snow and ice, a substantial wave of moisture is headed for the West Coast. This system will bring heavy rain and mountain snow: coastal areas and the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada could see between 2 to 4 inches of rain (with some spots getting even more), while higher elevations might receive up to a foot of snow.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about potential localized flooding from intense rainfall, along with hazardous travel conditions due to snowfall in mountainous regions.
Travel Challenges During Busy Holiday Season
With winter storms hitting during one of the busiest travel times of the year, delays and disruptions are likely. However, things should start improving by Tuesday afternoon as snowfall eases across much of the Northeast, which will help reduce road hazards.
That said, early morning commutes on Tuesday might still be tricky—especially in parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York. The storms over the weekend have already made roads slippery in the tri-state area, so caution is definitely advised.
Meteorologist Nick Gregory from FOX 5 NY pointed out that even just an inch of snow can be quite significant for New York City this time of year since accumulating snow isn’t that common!
A Chilly Christmas Nationwide
Even if there’s no snow covering the ground, it’s going to be really cold this Christmas in the Northeast and Midwest. So, it’ll definitely feel like winter, even if you don’t get that classic White Christmas vibe.
On another note, folks traveling or staying put for the holidays should keep an eye on the weather updates and stay ready for any changes as things develop.