Winter Hits New York: Snow and Ice Storm Threatens Weekend I-95 Travel From NYC to Boston

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The Northeast is bracing for a potentially messy travel period as a fast-moving clipper system from Canada combines with a coastal low-pressure system off the East Coast. This interaction, known as an East Coast energy transfer, could lead to measurable snowfall along portions of the I-95 corridor, including major cities like Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.

How the Systems Are Setting Up

The clipper system, a hallmark of winter weather in North America, is characterized by its fast movement and relatively modest moisture content. It is expected to arrive in the Northeast by Friday afternoon, providing the initial energy needed for snow. Concurrently, a coastal low-pressure system forming off the Carolinas will bring additional moisture and energy.

According to FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime, the interaction between these two systems could lead to the clipper’s energy being “absorbed” by the coastal low. This phenomenon will dictate the placement and intensity of snowfall, especially in cities along the coast. The merging systems may intensify as the coastal low moves northeastward, enhancing precipitation in areas like northern New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley, and eastern Massachusetts.

Timing: When Snow Will Fall

The snowstorm is expected to develop Friday evening, with snowfall accumulating into Saturday morning. As the coastal low pulls away, colder air will surge into the region, dropping temperatures significantly. Meteorologist Mike Woods of FOX 5 NY emphasizes that the transition will be swift: “Late in the day for you Friday into early, early Saturday, and then more cold air is pulled in after that.”

Temperatures will plummet in the storm’s aftermath, with the Northeast region seeing lows in the teens and even single digits in some areas early next week.

Snowfall Predictions and Variability

I-95 Corridor and Nearby Areas

The exact snow totals will depend on several factors, including timing, moisture content, and the presence of sufficiently cold air. FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar explains, “The timing of this is everything when you’re trying to get a system like this on the I-95 corridor. How much moisture are we going to have in play? Where does that low set up? Where’s the cold air?”

Preliminary forecasts suggest 1 to 3 inches of snow across parts of the I-95 corridor, including areas northwest of New York City and in the northern suburbs. Coastal cities like New York City and Philadelphia may see reduced totals due to the possibility of mixing with rain.

The Weather Setup For I 95 Corridor On Friday
The weather setup for I-95 corridor on Friday. (FOX Weather)

Boston and Northern New England

Areas like Boston and southern New Hampshire are better positioned for snow as colder air is more likely to be in place. Snowfall totals here could exceed 3 inches in some locations, with eastern Massachusetts and southern Maine also at risk for accumulating snow.

Hudson Valley and Upstate New York

The lower Hudson Valley, including cities like Poughkeepsie and White Plains, could see slightly higher totals compared to New York City, with 2 to 4 inches possible. Further north, into the Catskills and Adirondacks, heavier snow is likely as the cold air dominates the region.

Forecast Snow Totals For The NortheastForecast Snow Totals For The Northeast
Forecast snow totals for the Northeast. (FOX Weather)

Broader Seasonal Context for New York City

Winter officially begins with the solstice on Saturday, Dec. 21, marking the shortest day of the year. This storm could serve as a preview of the upcoming season. According to Nick Gregory of FOX 5 NY, this winter is expected to bring above-average temperatures along with below-average snowfall in New York City.

Gregory predicts 18 to 23 inches of snow for the city, compared to the typical seasonal average of 28 inches. By contrast, the lower Hudson Valley may see totals closer to 20 to 25 inches. The disparity reflects the expected influence of warmer-than-usual conditions along the coast, leading to more rain-snow mix events, while colder, snowier conditions are likely further inland.

Travel and Preparation

The weekend storm poses potential hazards for travel, particularly during the Friday evening commute and early Saturday morning. Areas along northern stretches of I-95, such as Hartford, Providence, and Springfield, could experience slippery conditions, with untreated roads becoming hazardous. In contrast, cities like Philadelphia and New York City may contend with limited accumulation or slushy conditions.

Residents and travelers are advised to monitor updated forecasts, prepare for delays, and take precautions for cold temperatures following the storm. This system highlights the volatile nature of Northeast winter weather, with significant variations over short distances driven by complex atmospheric dynamics.

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