The eastern United States is preparing for its first significant winter storm of the season, as a large weather system stretching from the Rocky Mountains to Rhode Island threatens heavy snow, ice, and dangerous travel conditions for more than 80 million people.
The storm has already caused chaos across the Midwest — closing schools in Missouri, dumping over a foot of snow in Iowa, and reducing visibility for drivers in Buffalo, New York. Now, forecasters say the East Coast will face its own round of severe winter weather through Tuesday and Wednesday.
Heavy Snow, Ice and Thunderstorms Sweep Across the Region
By Tuesday morning, snow was falling along the Interstate 95 corridor from Syracuse to Washington, D.C., while the Appalachians experienced freezing rain and the Southeast endured strong thunderstorms.
More than 51 million people were under winter storm warnings or advisories.
Forecasters expect:
1 inch per hour snowfall rates through the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast.
Northern New York and New England seeing the heaviest snow by Tuesday afternoon.
Coastal areas facing gusty winds and cold rain.
Up to 12 inches of snow is possible in parts of Maine, with 6–10 inches forecast across interior New England through Wednesday morning.
New Jersey Declares Emergency Ahead of Storm
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Monday for several counties — including Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren — where 3 to 7 inches of snow and freezing rain are expected.
Murphy urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel:
“I urge all drivers to exercise caution, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
New York City, meanwhile, is expecting a wintry mix rather than heavy snow.
Storm Marks First Winter Weather Event of the Season
According to the National Weather Service, this will be the first winter storm of the season for:
New England
Mid-Atlantic regions
Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey
(Meteorological winter began on December 1, while astronomical winter begins December 21.)
The Poconos could see up to 6 inches of snow, though major cities like Philadelphia are more likely to receive cold rain and only light snow.
Snow Expected From Ohio to New England
Northwestern Ohio is forecast to receive 2–5 inches, according to the NWS office in Cleveland, with snowfall beginning Monday night and continuing into Tuesday.
