As millions gear up for Thanksgiving travel, an early-season snowstorm has swept across the Northeast, leaving parts of Upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania buried under more than a foot of snow. This intense weather event, driven by a powerful low-pressure system, is causing significant disruptions on roads and in the skies.
The storm, which began Thursday, is expected to linger through Saturday, delivering a mix of heavy snow and rain to millions across the region. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the complex system is powered by an upper-level low spinning over the Northeast, sending out bands of energy that create a dynamic and evolving storm pattern. For some areas, this means relentless snowfall; for others, a sloppy mix of rain and snow will make for treacherous conditions.
In areas like Johnson City, New York, Greater Binghamton Airport has already halted operations due to the storm, while major travel hubs in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C., are experiencing widespread delays and cancellations. The timing couldn’t be worse for holiday travelers.
While lower elevations are expected to see rain as the storm progresses, higher terrains will continue to grapple with wet, heavy snow through Friday, stretching from West Virginia to New England. Though Friday’s snowfall is not expected to be as intense as the overnight deluge, conditions remain hazardous, with potential power outages and difficult driving conditions persisting.
In the mid-Atlantic, snow bands could extend southeast toward the I-95 corridor, teasing cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City with the first flurries of the season. However, snowfall accumulation in these urban areas is expected to be minimal, providing a brief but scenic reminder of the impending winter.
For communities across West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect. Other areas, including parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky, are under various winter weather alerts.
The mountains of New England will see the storm’s final act as moist easterly winds drive snowfall in the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains. While cities like Boston and Portland, Maine, are forecasted to receive rain rather than snow, the highest elevations could still see significant accumulation through Saturday.
For millions planning to reunite with loved ones this Thanksgiving, the storm is a stark reminder of winter’s unpredictability. Whether it’s snow-covered roads or flight delays, patience and preparation will be essential to navigating the holiday rush.
