Winter Storm Threatens the U.S. Northeast With Snow, Ice, and Travel Chaos

Winter storm targets the US Northeast

Heavy snow and ice expected

Major airport alerts issued

A powerful winter storm is advancing toward the northeastern United States, placing millions of people under winter weather alerts.

The system, arriving immediately after the Christmas holidays, will bring snow, ice, and dangerous mixed precipitation to some of the nation’s most densely populated cities.

Before the first snowflake even fell, more than 1,110 flights had already been delayed and nearly 1,050 canceled across the region.

Airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark accounted for 391 delays and 759 cancellations, marking a chaotic day even before the storm’s main impact.

Snow Accumulations Could Break Recent Records

Northeast winter storm to cause travel chaos-Photo: Shutterstock

Meteorologists forecast widespread snowfall of 3 to 5 inches from New Jersey through southern Connecticut.

In specific areas of northern New Jersey, Long Island, and New York City, totals could exceed 8 inches.

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The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings across much of the Northeast, where more than 60 million people remain under advisories.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, snowfall rates could reach “one inch or more per hour” during Friday night.

Authorities Urge Travel Avoidance and Release Weather Alerts

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont urged residents to avoid travel after sunset, warning: “If you need to travel, we strongly recommend leaving early.”

In New Jersey, Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency starting at 1 p.m. to facilitate storm response efforts.

Warnings extend from Pennsylvania to upstate New York, with winter weather advisories including snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Experts explain that the interaction between warm southern air and cold air from Canada will create a particularly dangerous zone between Philadelphia and New York City.

A Rare Scenario for New York City

New York City has not recorded more than six inches of snow in a 24-hour period in over 1,400 days.

However, this post-Christmas storm could break that streak, according to specialists.

Mayor Eric Adams warned: “As New Yorkers continue celebrating the holidays… they must prepare for dangerous travel conditions from Friday into Saturday.”

He also said local agencies “have been coordinating and are prepared for this winter weather system.”

NEW YORK CITY included in a WINTER STORM WARNING for the first time in almost FOUR years folks! (last time was late Jan 2022 if you can believe that)

5-8″ of snow is expected late Friday into early Saturday. Considerable icing is expected in PA (in excess of 1/4″ locally… pic.twitter.com/dBLIFlcLXj

— Ian Oliver (@IanOliverWX) December 25, 2025

Airports, Highways, and Travelers on High Alert Due to the Northeast Winter Storm

During one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, the storm threatens to disrupt major hubs such as LaGuardia, Newark, JFK, and Philadelphia.

Key interstate highways—including I-95, I-94, I-90, I-80, and I-91—could experience extremely hazardous conditions.

Ice poses an added risk, with accumulations of 1/16 to 6 millimeters expected in Michigan and parts of Pennsylvania.

Amounts exceeding a quarter inch could trigger power outages and further complicate regional mobility.

Ice Storm Warning and Dangerous Travel Conditions

Western Pennsylvania remains under an ice storm warning due to the risk of significant ice accumulation.

Meteorologist Ian Oliver cautioned: “You have to understand these are dangerous driving conditions as the ice begins to accumulate.”

Travel from Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning could become extremely hazardous across affected areas.

Fortunately, the storm’s fast-moving nature should allow much of the Northeast to dry out by Saturday morning, offering some relief after the worst impacts, according to Fox Weather—bringing a brief pause to the Northeast winter storm travel chaos.