Winter Storm Warnings: Northeast Braces for Heavy Snow

Winter Storm Warnings Issued Across the Northeast

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of winter weather advisories and storm warnings across the Northeast as up to 16 inches of snow is expected through Monday evening. This significant weather event comes at a particularly challenging time, as parts of the country have already experienced their first snowfall events of the season.

"Snowfall totals are on the high side for this early in the season," said NWS meteorologist Eric Myskowski. The winter storm began early Sunday morning, with heavier falls expected overnight, though snow will continue to fall throughout the day on Monday, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and travelers.

Areas Most Affected

As of Monday morning, winter weather advisories were issued by NWS offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and Maine. The more severe winter storm warnings were issued by offices in New York and Vermont.

The highest snowfall totals were expected in the NWS Burlington, Vermont, forecast regions, including southeastern St. Lawrence, southern Franklin, western Clinton, Washington, Orleans, eastern Chittenden, eastern Franklin, and Lamoille Counties. "Moderate to heavy snow expected. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 8 inches for a storm total of 8 to 10 inches with 10 to 16 inches possible on northwestern slopes," NWS Vermont said in their winter storm warning.

In New York, NWS meteorologists at the Albany office warned of up to 14 inches of snow still expected near and north of Route 28 in northern Herkimer County. Less but still impactful amounts of snowfall are expected elsewhere, with several inches of lake-effect snow possible in Pennsylvania and New York.

Travel Conditions Deteriorate

Gusty winds are expected to worsen travel conditions, as blowing snow could limit visibilities during the morning hours. "Roads will likely become slick and hazardous from moderate to heavy snow falling today through today. Visibilities may drop below one mile in isolated locations through this morning due to moderate to heavy snowfall and occasional blowing snow. Travel could be difficult," warned NWS Albany.

Further south in Rochester, New York, a News10NBC yellow alert has been issued as gusty winds and unseasonably cold temperatures dominate the area. Meteorologists anticipate "off and on" Lake Ontario snow showers into Monday morning, which may be enough to make untreated roads, bridges and overpasses icy.

What to Expect Next

Many of the winter weather-related alerts are set to expire by Monday night, but some could persist until Tuesday morning depending on the location. People in the Northeast are urged to follow the advice of local weather officials and exercise caution when traveling during these winter storms.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency." - NWS Burlington, Vermont

The winter storm warnings come as other parts of the U.S. are also anticipating heavy snowfall, including the West Coast and the Intermountain West. Meanwhile, other NWS offices are warning of the chance for a wintry mix for parts of the Midwest, with millions of Americans across the U.S. expecting some form of winter precipitation this week.