Key Takeaways
- A winter storm is expected to hit the Northeastern United States, bringing 6 inches of snow or more to multiple states
- The storm will cause hazardous travel conditions, particularly in areas with widespread icing, such as Appalachia
- Governors in affected states, including Maine and New Jersey, have declared states of emergency and advised residents to exercise caution
- The storm will move out of the Northeast by Wednesday morning and into Canada
- A separate winter storm system is expected to bring snow to parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The Northeastern United States is bracing for its first winter storm of the season, with millions of people expected to be affected by the severe weather conditions. A low-pressure system is moving from Pennsylvania to Maine, bringing with it heavy snowfall and icy conditions that will make travel extremely challenging. The National Weather Service has warned that the storm will drop 6 inches of snow or more in multiple states, with some areas potentially seeing up to a foot of snow. The Tuesday evening commute is expected to be particularly hazardous, with the heavy snowfall and icy roads making it difficult for people to get home safely.
Storm Impacts and Warnings
The storm’s impact will be felt across the region, with parts of Appalachia, specifically areas along the border between Virginia and West Virginia, expected to experience widespread icing. This will create extremely hazardous conditions on roadways and sidewalks, making it essential for people to exercise caution when traveling. Maine Governor Janet Mills has advised residents to use caution when traveling, stock up on emergency supplies, and check in on their neighbors, particularly older folks who may need assistance. In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency for five counties in the northern tip of the state, which are expected to be the hardest hit by the storm system.
Regional Snowfall and Emergency Declarations
The Northeast is not the only region affected by severe weather conditions. Heavy snow fell across multiple states in the Midwest over the busy travel weekend, with between 6 and 11 inches of snow coming down in northwestern Indiana and northern Illinois. Chicago set a new record for the most snowfall in one November day, and in Milwaukee, local officials declared a snow emergency due to snowfall totals ranging from 6 inches to a foot. In the Northeast, federal forecasters are warning that parts of New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine could see at least a half inch of snow by Wednesday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected in a swath of land from the Poconos in Pennsylvania to coastal Maine.
Weather Forecast and Storm Movement
The storm system is expected to move out of the Northeast and into Canada by Wednesday morning, bringing an end to the severe weather conditions. However, before it does, the National Weather Service has warned that more than an inch of snow could fall per hour, making travel conditions extremely hazardous. Across the country, a separate winter storm system is expected to bring snow to parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning. The NWS office in Boulder has warned locals to prepare for a "slow, slick, and hazardous Wednesday morning commute," advising people to plan ahead and exercise caution when traveling.
Preparations and Safety Measures
As the winter storm approaches, it is essential for people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes stocking up on emergency supplies, such as food, water, and medication, and having a plan in place in case of a power outage or other emergency. Residents are also advised to check in on their neighbors, particularly older folks or those who may need assistance, and to report any power outages or other issues to the relevant authorities. By taking these precautions and staying informed about the latest weather forecast, people can help minimize the impact of the storm and stay safe until it passes.