Severe Winter Storm Strikes Northeast, Disrupts Travel Plans

As a significant winter storm intensifies over the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the region braces for disruptions with adverse weather conditions anticipated to continue through the weekend. The storm system, bringing both snow and much-needed rain, coincides with early Thanksgiving travel plans, causing concern for millions of travelers.

In particular, parts of the Northeast and the Great Lakes region are under a variety of weather alerts. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories across these areas, while Winter Storm Warnings have been activated in sections of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, Winter Storm Watches have expanded to include parts of New York state and Pennsylvania.

The FOX Forecast Center notes that following a prolonged spell of dry weather, the Northeast is now experiencing a shift as rain and snow commence. The storm, expected to linger across the region into the weekend, could lead to substantial travel delays. High-elevation areas, such as northeastern Pennsylvania and the Catskills, are projected to receive heavy snowfall, potentially accumulating up to a foot.

The first significant snow of the season is anticipated over the central and northern Appalachians, with severe impacts expected in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Such conditions have prompted warnings from the National Weather Service about potential high-impact snowfall events.

In urban areas like Chicago, snow has already begun to blanket the city, with FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray capturing the scene on video. Forecasters indicate that between 2 and 4 inches of snow could fall, with visibility significantly reduced during the morning commute. Meanwhile, Milwaukee‘s National Weather Service office cautioned commuters about deteriorating road conditions. Transition zones from rain to snow are contributing to the complexity of travel conditions.

The storm system, which originated over the Great Lakes, has progressed eastward, pulling in colder northern air and leading to widespread snowfall. As the storm advances, heavy rainfalls of 1-2 inches are forecast for parts of the Northeast and New England, though some areas could see locally higher amounts.

The approaching Thanksgiving holiday is expected to see record travel numbers, with the Transportation Security Administration preparing for what could be the busiest travel period ever. More than 23 million people are currently under winter weather advisories, affecting multiple states including New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as well as parts of Washington, Idaho, and Montana where heavy snow is also forecast.