Winter Double Punch! Northeast Faces Two Storms With Blizzard Conditions Possible

If you thought winter was taking a break, think again. The Northeast is about to get slammed by not one, but two winter storms in the coming days, bringing a messy mix of snow, ice, and strong winds that will make travel dangerous and possibly knock out power for thousands.

The first storm is already making its way across the region, dumping snow, sleet, and freezing rain on major cities, while the second storm, expected this weekend, could be even worse. If you haven’t stocked up on essentials or made a backup plan for power outages, now is the time.

First Storm: A Slushy, Icy Mess

The first system started overnight and is bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to several states, making for a slick and slow-moving morning commute. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories across the Northeast, warning that roads will be hazardous throughout the day.

• New York City woke up to snow, but as the temperature climbed, it transitioned to sleet and freezing rain. The city is expected to get 1 to 3 inches of snow, with just enough ice to make sidewalks and roads slippery. Travel conditions should improve by the afternoon as temperatures rise, but until then, expect slow-moving traffic and delays.
• Boston is seeing a mix of snow and sleet, with 1 to 4 inches expected before precipitation tapers off. The biggest concern is icy roads and sidewalks, making both morning and evening commutes hazardous.
• Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are seeing varied conditions, with rain in some areas and freezing rain in others. The uncertainty in temperatures is making road conditions unpredictable, leading to accidents and slower traffic.

If you don’t have to be on the road this morning, you might want to delay your travel. Even if roads look clear, black ice could still be lurking, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Second Storm: The Bigger Problem Arrives This Weekend

Just as the Northeast starts recovering from the first storm, a second, more powerful system is set to arrive Saturday into Sunday, bringing heavier snow, stronger winds, and a higher chance of power outages.

Here’s what to expect with Round Two:

• More Snow: Cities along and north of I-95 could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, while interior New England could see even more.
• Powerful Winds: Gusts could reach 40+ mph, causing blowing snow and whiteout conditions. This means reduced visibility and even more travel headaches.
• Power Outage Risk: With wet snow and strong winds, tree branches and power lines could snap, leaving many without electricity for hours—or even days.

“This second storm has the potential to be much worse than the first one,” said a meteorologist tracking the storm system. “The biggest concern is that crews will have very little time to clear roads and restore power before the next round of snow and ice arrives.”

How to Prepare Before the Storm Hits

• Stay Off the Roads: If you can, avoid travel during the peak of the storm, especially Saturday night into Sunday.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Charge all devices now, have flashlights and batteries ready, and stock up on extra blankets and non-perishable food.
• Stock Up on Essentials: Grocery stores could see a rush, so grab food, water, and any necessary medications before the second storm arrives.
• Check on Elderly Neighbors: Make sure those who may need extra help are stocked up and safe.
• Stay Updated: Weather conditions can change fast. Keep an eye on forecasts and check airline updates if you have travel plans.

What Happens Next?

The first storm will start wrapping up by late Thursday, but freezing temperatures overnight could create black ice for Friday morning’s commute. Even if the roads look clear, untreated areas and sidewalks may still be slippery.

The second storm arrives late Saturday into Sunday and could bring blizzard-like conditions in parts of New England. This is the storm that could cause major disruptions—so if you need to get things done, do it before then.

If you have weekend travel plans, especially by plane or train, check your flight status now. Expect delays and cancellations at major airports from New York to Boston as the second storm moves in.