Major Snowstorm Hits Northeast, Travel Disruptions Widespread

Major Snowstorm Hits Northeast, Travel Disruptions Widespread/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Northeast was hit Tuesday by its first major snowstorm of the winter, bringing up to 10 inches of snow in parts of New England and widespread travel disruptions. Schools closed, roads became hazardous, and winter storm warnings were issued across multiple states. The storm followed record snowfall in the Midwest and moved into the mid-Atlantic.

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Northeast Snowstorm: Quick Looks

• First major winter storm hits the Northeast, bringing up to 10 inches of snow.
• National Weather Service issues winter storm warnings across six states.
• Snow falls across Massachusetts, Maine, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.
• Midwest storm fades after record 8-inch snowfall at Chicago O’Hare.
• Snow disrupts morning commutes and closes schools in multiple regions.
• Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York implement road restrictions and advisories.
• Ohio sees 3–5 inches of snow and multiple traffic accidents.
• Coastal Maine warned to avoid travel during the storm.
• New Hampshire resumes annual “name-a-plow” contest amid snow response.
• Over 600 workers deployed to clear Pennsylvania’s turnpike system.

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Major Snowstorm Hits Northeast, Travel Disruptions Widespread

Deep Look

The first major snowstorm of the 2025–2026 winter season struck the Northeast on Tuesday, blanketing parts of New England and the mid-Atlantic with up to 10 inches of snow, closing schools, slowing commutes, and prompting widespread weather advisories.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings across a wide swath of the Northeast, including Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New York. The warnings came as steady snowfall arrived Tuesday morning, marking the season’s first significant snow event for many regions.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison, some areas could see up to a foot of snow, particularly in higher elevations.

“It’s going to be the first snowfall of the season for many of these areas, and it’s going to be rather significant,” he said.

This system followed a powerful snowstorm that moved through the Midwest over the weekend. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, more than 8 inches of snow fell Saturday, setting a new November daily snowfall record at the airport, breaking a mark that had stood since 1951.

Now moving east, the storm has transitioned into a mix of snow, wind, and freezing rain depending on location. Coastal Maine is among the regions under a winter storm warning until Wednesday morning, with weather officials urging residents to delay all travel if possible due to slippery roads and low visibility.

Travel Disruptions and Closures Widespread

The storm’s arrival caused school and government closures across the region. In upstate New York, dozens of schools shut down as parts of the state braced for six inches or more of snow. Snowfall before dawn made roads treacherous during the morning commute, especially in rural and mountainous areas.

In New Hampshire, state officials took a lighter approach to winter prep by launching their second annual “name-a-plow” contest. “Welcome to The Department of the Seven Snowplows, our winter twist on a classic tale,” read a post from the state’s Department of Transportation. Last year’s winning name? Ctrl-Salt-Delete. This year’s winners will be announced in January.

Ohio Roads Slick, Accidents Reported

In Ohio, where 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulated overnight in southern regions, icy roads led to multiple accidents and highway closures. A stretch of I-70 West near Cleveland was shut down briefly Tuesday morning following a crash, and other major roadways near Columbus saw serious slowdowns.

Winter weather advisories remained in effect across much of the state, and forecasters warned that conditions would remain slippery with limited visibility, especially on untreated roads.

Pennsylvania Implements Vehicle Restrictions

With heavy snow expected across eastern Pennsylvania, road crews were out in full force along the 565-mile Pennsylvania Turnpike system. Snowfall was already reported in areas like the Lehigh Valley, and vehicle restrictions were in effect starting at 5 a.m. Tuesday on parts of the Northeast Extension.

According to Marissa Orbanek, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the state had deployed more than 600 equipment operators and safety workers across its 2,900 miles of highway lanes. Twenty-three maintenance sheds were staffed 24/7, part of a winter readiness plan that began in mid-November.

“We really prepare for snow all year long,” Orbanek said.

What’s Ahead

While parts of the Great Lakes region were seeing snow taper off, the Northeast was bracing for continued snowfall and icy conditions into Wednesday. Meteorologists warn that shifting temperatures could turn snow into sleet or freezing rain in some areas, further complicating road conditions and travel.

With December just beginning, this early-season storm serves as a stark reminder that winter is now fully underway for millions across the U.S.

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