Northeast Braces for Major Snowstorm as Midwest Recovers

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:11:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Northeast prepares for its first significant snowfall of the season, with winter storm warnings issued across multiple states. Meanwhile, travelers in the Midwest deal with the aftermath of recent hazardous weather conditions.

As the Northeast readies itself for its initial major snowstorm of the season, expectations are set for up to 10 inches of snow in some northern regions. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings in several states, while the Midwest begins to recover from a prior winter storm that disrupted travel plans over the Thanksgiving weekend.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Northeast was bracing for its first major snowstorm of the season on Tuesday, just as the Midwest was starting to recover from snow and ice that hampered travel following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Forecasts indicated that parts of northern New England could see accumulations of up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of snow. A windy and potentially icy storm was en route, with some regions expecting heavy rain instead.

The National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings and advisories across states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and New York in preparation for the impending snowfall.

This wintery blast comes shortly after Chicago O’Hare International Airport set a record for November snowfall, receiving over 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) during the weekend, breaking a record that had stood since 1951.

While snow in the Great Lakes area had started to taper off, new forecasts suggested a fresh storm could bring up to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow by Tuesday to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison noted, “It’s going to be the first snowfall of the season for many of these areas, and it’s going to be rather significant.”

Winter Weather Advisory in Northeast

The National Weather Service issued a warning for coastal Maine from Tuesday morning until Wednesday morning, advising residents to “delay all travel if possible.”

In New Hampshire, the Department of Transportation announced its second annual name-a-plow competition, inviting participants to help name its plows. The previous season’s winner, Ctrl-Salt-Delete, was a popular choice.

Pennsylvania Gears Up for Snow

With significant snow anticipated in parts of Pennsylvania, state crews began treating roads on Monday, particularly the 565-mile (909-kilometer) Pennsylvania Turnpike. Restrictions on vehicle travel were set to begin Tuesday morning.

Over 600 operators and safety crews were prepared to handle the maintenance of the turnpike, which has been getting ready for winter conditions since mid-November.

Travelers Struggling in the Midwest

In Chicago, many travelers faced delays as they attempted to return home from their Thanksgiving trips. Don Herrian, a retired resident from Oklahoma, shared his experience of flight delays caused by last weekend's winter storm.

Roads leading towards O’Hare were congested, with planes being de-iced at multiple airports as travel continues to be impacted by slippery conditions.