National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued a slew of winter weather advisories and storm warnings across the Northeast as up to 16 inches of snow is expected through Monday evening.
NWS meteorologist Eric Myskowski told Newsweek that the snow storm began early Sunday morning, with the heavier falls coming overnight, though snow will continue to fall throughout the day on Monday. He added that the snowfall totals are on the high side for this early in the season.
Why It Matters
Many of these states have already experienced their first snowfall events of the season. The winter storm warnings come as other parts of the U.S. are anticipating heavy snowfall as well, including the West Coast and the Intermountain West. 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.
What to Know
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.
Snow has already been falling in many of these areas, with NWS meteorologists warning of significant additional snowfall before the day is up.
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 the winter storm warning.
Parts of New York were also anticipating additional heavy snow, with NWS meteorologists at the Albany office warning of up to 14 inches still expected near and north of Route 28 in northern Herkimer County.
Gusty winds could worsen travel conditions, as blowing snow could limit visibilities during the morning hours.
Less but still impactful amounts of snowfall are expected elsewhere, with several inches of lake-effect snow possible in Pennsylvania and New York.
Counties within the NWS Caribou, Maine, forecast region are expecting several additional inches of snowfall, as well as southern Vermont.
What People Are Saying
NWS Buffalo, New York, in a winter weather advisory: “Periods of snow will result in snow-covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.”
NWS Albany, New York, in a winter storm warning: “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.”
NWS Burlington, Vermont, in a winter storm warning: “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
What Happens Next
Many of the winter weather-related alerts were set to expire by Monday night, but some could persist until Tuesday morning depending on the location. People in the Northeast were urged to follow the advice of local weather officials and exercise caution when traveling during the winter storms.
