by Roughly 1 million residents across the Northeast are expected to face dangerous travel conditions this weekend as a powerful clipper storm brings a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow to multiple states. The storm is expected to impact northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and western Maine, creating slick roads and potentially delaying travel on major highways.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Maureen Hastings emphasized the importance of safety, telling Newsweek,
“Anytime we have freezing rain in the forecast, our main concern first and foremost is travel and travel safety for the public.”
Timing and Storm Details
The heaviest freezing rain is expected overnight Saturday, before colder air shifts precipitation mainly to snow on Sunday. According to AccuWeather, a fast-moving clipper system originating from Canada will sweep across the region from late Saturday into Sunday morning.
Most of the freezing rain and ice is expected to fall north of the storm’s track, where road conditions could become extremely slippery, particularly in densely traveled corridors.
“Slippery travel is most likely from northeastern New York through Vermont, central and northern New Hampshire, and western Maine Saturday night into Sunday morning due to a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain,” AccuWeather reports.
Cold Air Sets the Stage for Snow
A dip in the jet stream is allowing cold air to dominate the Northeast, creating ideal conditions for wintry precipitation. By Sunday, lingering showers may turn to snow, with bands of lake-effect snow likely to develop in western and northern New York, increasing snow accumulation in localized areas and further impacting road safety.
Travel Advisory and Safety Tips
Authorities are urging residents and travelers to monitor updated weather forecasts and road conditions throughout the weekend. Officials recommend:
- Delaying non-essential travel during peak impact times
- Ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, including having emergency supplies on hand
- Exercising caution in areas susceptible to lake-effect snow, as slippery roads may persist into early next week
The combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected to create hazardous driving conditions, particularly in northern and mountainous regions of the Northeast, making vigilance essential for anyone on the roads.
Are you prepared for the wintry mix this weekend? Share your tips for safe travel in the comments below and join the discussion on staying safe during hazardous weather conditions.
