Northeast to Experience Hazardous Winter Weather Ahead of Christmas
A winter storm combining a Midwest clipper and an Atlantic coastal system will deliver accumulating snow and hazardous travel to the Northeast U.S. from December 17-18, with significant impacts expected during peak holiday travel times.
A significant winter weather system is poised to affect the Northeast U.S. prior to Christmas, combining a clipper storm from the Midwest and a coastal storm developing along the Atlantic coast. The clipper storm is already bringing considerable snowfall across the Upper Midwest, while the coastal storm is expected to contribute to slippery travel conditions. Travel disruptions may intensify on December 17-18, as accumulating snow spreads from the Midwest to the Northeast, warning meteorologists of severe impacts during a peak travel period.
As the clipper storm tracks southeastward, cities such as Fargo, Minneapolis, and Madison reported several inches of snow. Further along the trajectory, regions like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit may also experience significant snowfall, contributing to delays on highways and at airports. The winter weather will extend into areas like Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Columbus, leading to additional snow accumulation and hazardous travel conditions.
As the storm advances into the central Appalachians by Friday night, it is anticipated to cause further snowfall across West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, placing additional burdens on road users and potentially leading to dangerous conditions during peak evening travel. The National Weather Service warns that snowfall intensity could heighten during rush hour, particularly affecting metropolitan areas including New York City and Philadelphia.
Adding complexity to the situation, the developing coastal storm could enhance snowfall rates across eastern Massachusetts and other coastal regions, possibly delivering heavy accumulation. The extent of the impact will depend on the storm’s track; areas like Boston and Providence may experience substantial snowfalls, while regions closer to New York City could see varying outcomes. As the coastal system strengthens, blizzard conditions and dropping temperatures forecasted for Saturday may result in snow remaining on the ground into Christmas morning.
The article covers impending winter weather in the Northeast United States due to a combination of a Midwest clipper storm moving east and a coastal storm forming along the Atlantic coast. The forecast highlights the snowfall implications, potential travel hazards, and specific regions likely to be affected. Meteorologists from AccuWeather provide insights into the severity of conditions, emphasizing the timing coinciding with the pre-Christmas travel rush, which raises concerns regarding safety and accessibility.
In summary, the anticipated winter storms are expected to significantly disrupt travel across the Northeast, starting from December 17-18. The combination of snow from the Midwest and a strengthening coastal storm presents risks of slippery conditions and delays. With winter officially arriving concurrently with the snow, affected areas may face challenging travel situations leading into the holiday week, indicating the importance of heeding weather advisories.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
