Matt Noyes delivers your early morning update on what to expect with this storm – that has many of us waking up to snow! Watch the video for the latest and check back frequently today at 1DegreeOutside.com or our Noyes’ 1DegreeOutside Weather app, as Matt and Danielle will provide updates – this latest one is the 11 AM update!
National Meteorological Summary:
The U.S. is facing widespread impacts from a robust storm system affecting the Great Lakes and Northeast while other parts of the country contend with Arctic air and developing weather systems.
- Northeast & Great Lakes: A powerful storm continues to produce heavy lake-effect snow downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, with localized snowfall exceeding 12 inches in spots like the Tug Hill Plateau and the western Adirondacks. Snow squalls and gusty winds accompany an Arctic cold front sweeping through the Mid-Atlantic and New England today, bringing whiteout conditions and hazardous travel. Wind gusts of 40-50 mph in the Northeast could lead to power outages and drifting snow. Cold air behind the system enhances lake-effect snow through Friday.
- Southern and Central U.S.: A surge of Gulf moisture is expected across eastern Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley by the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop, some of which may bring heavy rain and localized flash flooding, particularly in eastern Texas. Meanwhile, parts of the Central Plains and southern Rockies will see snow accumulations with a cold air mass in place.
- Western U.S.: The Pacific Northwest begins to feel the influence of a new frontal system by late Friday, bringing light rain and high-elevation snow. The rest of the West enjoys dry and stable conditions under high pressure, though valley fog and poor air quality persist in spots.
- Temperature Trends: Much of the nation experiences colder-than-average temperatures today, with the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and interior Northeast seeing highs 10-20°F below normal. Warmer air is poised to return to the Gulf Coast and parts of the southern Plains by early next week as a more active weather pattern develops.
Northeast Weather Story:
The Northeast braces for a day of winter weather hazards as a powerful low-pressure system over eastern Canada drives an Arctic front across the region. Snow, gusty winds, and bitterly cold temperatures dominate the forecast.
- Today (Thursday): Snow squalls will sweep through New England and New York as the Arctic front advances, bringing quick bursts of heavy snow and dangerously reduced visibility. Snowfall totals of 2-6 inches are likely across the interior, with localized higher amounts in the western Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and Catskills. Rain may briefly change to snow along the coast before tapering off. Winds behind the front will increase sharply, with gusts up to 50 mph, resulting in areas of blowing and drifting snow. Highs will range from the low 20s in the mountains to near 40°F along the southern coast, but wind chills will make it feel much colder.
- Tonight: The storm system departs, but lake-effect snow intensifies in the wake of the Arctic air. Additional snowfall of 3-6 inches is likely in the western Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, and areas downwind of Lake Ontario. Gusty northwest winds persist, with overnight wind chills plunging into the single digits or below zero in interior locations.
- Friday: Lake-effect snow bands gradually weaken as high pressure begins to build into the region. Temperatures remain frigid, with highs only in the upper teens to low 20s across much of the interior and mid-20s along the coast. Winds will remain brisk but gradually subside by the afternoon.
- Weekend Outlook: A weak clipper system brings light snow to northern areas Saturday night into Sunday morning, mainly across northern New York and Vermont. By Sunday, high pressure moderates temperatures slightly, with highs reaching the 30s. A more significant warmup is expected early next week, accompanied by widespread rain.
- Travel & Outdoor Impacts:
- Thursday: Hazardous driving conditions are expected, especially in areas experiencing snow squalls and blowing snow. Power outages are possible due to strong winds.
- Tonight into Friday: Lake-effect snow could make roads treacherous in western New York and northern Vermont.
- Weekend: Light snow may create slick spots across the North Country and higher terrain Saturday night into Sunday.
Residents should prepare for winter travel impacts and dangerous wind chills while monitoring updates for next week’s rain and potential thaw.
