Winter Storm Alert: Northeast Braces for Impactful Snow and Ice
FILE-Pedestrians walk along snow-lined sidewalks in New York City, United States, on December 14, 2025, after the season’s first snowfall. (Photo by Federico Torres/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Though it wasn’t a white Christmas for the majority of the Northeast, a powerful snowstorm is brewing right after the holiday, unleashing impactful snow and ice for millions that will threaten major cities, airports, and highways.
A quick but impactful shot of snow and ice will blast through the Northeast Friday into early Saturday and significantly impact post-Christmas travel, as over 60 million Americans face winter weather alerts from Philadelphia through New York City in what could be the biggest snow totals the Big Apple has seen in years.
This graphic displays the snow forecast in the Northeast from Friday through Saturday. (FOX Weather)
Snow Forecast
The FOX Forecast Center is forecasting a widespread 3 to 5 inches of snow from central New Jersey through New York City into southern Connecticut.
Locally higher amounts of 5 to 8 inches or more are possible across New York City and into northern New Jersey and western Long Island.
As a result, the National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings scattered across the region. Winter Weather Advisories are in place across Upstate New York into Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, at the storm’s peak overnight Friday, snowfall rates could reach an inch or more per hour.
This graphic displays winter weather alerts in place in the Northeast from Friday through Saturday. (FOX Weather)
Impact on Travel
Early Saturday morning, warm air from the south will clash into cold air filtering south from Canada, setting the stage between Philadelphia and New York City, where snow is expected to mix with and even change to all sleet or freezing rain before the storm ends.
It’s been over 1,400 days since more than 6 inches of snow fell in New York City in a 24-hour window, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
A streak that Big Apple winter weather lovers may see come to an end with this post-Christmas storm, which has triggered the issuance of a Winter Storm Warning in New York City for the first time in just under four years.
“As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to celebrate the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions Friday into Saturday,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a press release. “New York City agencies have been coordinating and are prepared for the winter weather system, and we continue to monitor conditions closely.
Travel Trouble
In one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, post-Christmas travelers should be on alert, as the powerful winter storm could affect some of the region’s busiest travel hubs, from international airports to interstate highways.
This graphic displays a travel forecast for I-80 from Ohio to Pennsylvania. (FOX Weather)
Rain, snow, and ice will present a problem for travelers in the region as several major international airports across the region are under winter weather alerts including LaGuardia International Airport, Newark International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
A number of major highways, including I-95, I-94, I-90, I-80, and I-91 in the region will be affected by the winter storm that has prompted winter weather alerts throughout the Northeast.
Ice Storm Warning
Strong high pressure in Canada will introduce an ice threat across the Northeast, with a tenth to a quarter inch of ice accretion likely across central Michigan and in areas in Pennsylvania by midday Friday.
Isolated ice amounts over a quarter of an inch could cause scattered power outages, with the highest ice accretion spanning from State College, Pennsylvania through Frederick, Maryland.
This graphic displays an ice forecast in the Northeast. (FOX Weather)
Elevated concern has resulted in an Ice Storm Warning across western Pennsylvania.
Warning travelers in the region, FOX Weather Meteorologist Ian Oliver said, “You’ve got to be aware these are dangerous driving conditions as that ice starts going.”
WHAT IS AN ICE STORM?
In affected areas, dangerous road conditions will lead to treacherous travel across the affected areas from Friday through early Saturday. Luckily, given the speed of this system, most areas will dry out by Saturday morning.
Get the latest updates on this story at FOXWeather.com
Conclusion
The Northeast is bracing for a powerful winter storm that will bring significant snow and ice to the region, causing hazardous travel conditions and disrupting post-Christmas travel plans. With over 60 million Americans under winter weather alerts, it’s essential to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest forecast and travel advisories.
FAQs
Q: What is the forecast for the Northeast?
A: The FOX Forecast Center is forecasting a widespread 3 to 5 inches of snow from central New Jersey through New York City into southern Connecticut, with locally higher amounts of 5 to 8 inches or more possible across New York City and into northern New Jersey and western Long Island.
Q: What are the travel implications?
A: The winter storm will affect some of the region’s busiest travel hubs, from international airports to interstate highways, causing hazardous travel conditions and disrupting post-Christmas travel plans.
Q: What is an ice storm?
A: An ice storm is a type of winter storm that occurs when freezing rain or drizzle forms a layer of ice on surfaces, causing hazardous travel conditions and potentially leading to power outages.
Q: How can I stay informed about the winter storm?
A: You can stay informed about the winter storm by checking the latest forecast and travel advisories on FOXWeather.com and following local news and weather reports.
