Key Takeaways
- A powerful winter storm is expected to bring extreme weather to the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast this weekend
- Heavy snow and whiteout conditions are forecasted across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region, causing "treacherous travel"
- The storm has already slammed the Northeast, dumping up to nearly 8 inches of snow on New York City and surrounding areas
- The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of dangerous ice across parts of the Northeast and bitter wind chills as low as -35 degrees in parts of North Dakota
- Temperatures could reach highs in the 70s in parts of the South and into the Tennessee Valley, making it feel more like spring
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A powerful winter storm is bringing extreme weather to the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) says the system will intensify over the next few days, with conditions expected to persist through Tuesday. The storm has already begun to make its presence felt, with a man in Brooklyn being photographed cleaning off his car of snow after an overnight storm on December 27, 2025, in New York City. This image, captured by Spencer Platt/Getty Images, is a testament to the storm’s impact on the region.
Forecast and Expected Conditions
According to a bulletin from the NWS posted on Saturday, "Arctic air will descend into the Plains beginning Sunday, followed by a potent winter storm across the upper Midwest to the Great Lakes Sunday night to Monday." Heavy snow and whiteout conditions are forecasted across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region, causing "treacherous travel," the NWS said. More than a foot of snow could fall along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, while Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania are expected to receive lake-effect snow. The NWS is also warning of dangerous ice across parts of the Northeast, including ice accumulation of up to a quarter of an inch in eastern New York, parts of Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Impact on Travel and Daily Life
The storm has already had a significant impact on travel and daily life in the affected regions. The weather has snarled traffic along the I-95 corridor and disrupted air travel, with Flightaware.com showing more than 1,000 delays across U.S. airports on Saturday evening. Nearly 1,000 flights were cancelled into, out of, and within the U.S. as of Saturday evening. The treacherous travel conditions are expected to persist, making it essential for people to plan ahead and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Temperature Variations Across the Country
While the Northeast is experiencing freezing temperatures and heavy snow, other parts of the country are enjoying milder weather. According to forecasters, it will feel more like spring across parts of the South and into the Tennessee Valley, where temperatures could reach highs in the 70s for this time of year. This significant temperature variation highlights the diverse weather patterns across the United States, with some regions experiencing extreme cold and others enjoying relatively warm weather.
Severe Weather Warnings and Precautions
The NWS is warning of bitter wind chills as low as -35 degrees in parts of North Dakota and up to -25 degrees in northern Minnesota. These severe weather conditions can be life-threatening, and it is essential for people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. The NWS’s warnings and forecasts are crucial in helping people prepare for the extreme weather conditions and plan accordingly. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can minimize the risks associated with the winter storm and stay safe.
