Winter Storm Warning Issued for 36 Inches of Snow, Wind Chills Below Zero on New Year’s Day
Many Americans are closing out 2025 and ringing in 2026 with a severe bout of winter weather. Throughout the week, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several winter storm warnings, with some areas being hit with multiple feet of the flaky white stuff.
On New Year's Eve, the NWS announced multiple winter storm alerts, warning residents about upcoming bone-chilling cold, heavy snow, including possible snow squalls, and dangerous travel conditions through New Year's Day tomorrow.
Parts of New York may receive up to 36 inches of snow
The Great Lakes and Northeast have been pummeled by snow all week, and the NWS Buffalo office said in its latest warning that some areas of western New York are in line for multiple feet of snow.
Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties could see up to 24 inches of snow through early Friday morning, while the Eastern Lake Ontario Region might receive up to 36 inches.
"Travel will be very difficult with snow covered roads and very poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes," the NWS said.
Frigid temps, high winds expected in Maryland, West Virginia
The NWS Baltimore outpost says portions of Maryland and West Virginia will be subjected to heavy snow and "near-blizzard conditions" starting later today and running through Thursday morning.
Winds will reach up to 50 mph, with wind chills as low as 10 degrees below zero. The winter storm warning is in effect for eastern Garrett and western Garrett Counties in Maryland and western Grant, western Mineral, and western Pendleton Counties in West Virginia.
"Visibilities may drop below one-quarter mile at times due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult along the I-68/US-40 corridor west of La Vale, MD, US-48 corridor west of Moorefield, WV, US-33 west of Franklin, WV, and US-219 from the PA/MD line to WV line," said the NWS.
Snow squalls possible in multiple regions
Snow squalls, or short, powerful bursts of snow and heavy wind, don't leave much accumulation on the ground, but can be incredibly dangerous. Squalls create low visibility, or "whiteout" conditions, making driving close to impossible.
"During the northwest winds in the wake of the clipper storm this week, there is a likelihood of localized snow squalls that can extend hundreds of miles away from the shores of the Great Lakes," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. "These will pose hazards for motorists on the interstates 70 and 80 corridors."
Thursday morning, the NWS Weather Prediction Center said snow squalls will affect New Year's Eve travel "across parts of the Lower Great Lakes, northern Ohio Valley, and Northeast."
"These snow squalls will most likely be along the Arctic cold front as it crosses the Lower Great Lakes late this afternoon into the evening hours," the NWS said. "The threat then stretches from the Ohio Valley through the interior Northeast/northern Mid-Atlantic during the overnight hours. This could coincide with New Year's Eve celebrations."