A band of moderate snow with low visibility is on the move towards Chicago just in time for the morning commute. A dusting to 1 inch is forecasted, enough to create slick and hazardous road conditions throughout the city. Simultaneously, snow is sweeping through Michigan and Ohio, with its trajectory set towards the Northeast. As the day progresses, the mix of rain and snow will advance into the I-95 corridor, increasing the risk of slick roads. This wintry mix is expected to persist along the I-95 corridor into early Saturday morning, posing challenges for holiday travelers.
While most areas will only receive a dusting of snow similar to Chicago, the potential dangers on the roads cannot be underestimated as temperatures drop to near freezing levels. Localized areas in the mountains of West Virginia, western New York, and northern New England could witness snow accumulations ranging from 3 to 6 inches. The higher elevations might even experience over a foot of snowfall, further complicating travel plans for those in these regions.
Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, another storm system is looming over the Northeast, bringing with it the possibility of rain and snow. The I-95 corridor might also see a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday, Christmas Eve. The likelihood of accumulating snow is higher in upstate New York and New England, although the exact amounts remain uncertain at this stage.
As the weekend approaches, an arctic plunge is expected to invade the Northeast, causing temperatures to plummet into the teens and single digits by Saturday night into Sunday. Inland areas could experience wind chills below zero, while coastal major cities may face single-digit wind chills. The frigid conditions will set the stage for a potentially white Christmas for some regions.
Looking further into the future, a temporary reprieve from the wintry weather is in store after Christmas for the Northeast and most of the eastern U.S. Warmer temperatures are on the horizon as rain and snow shift eastward, paving the way for a brief respite ahead of the weekend’s arctic blast. This dynamic weather pattern sets the stage for the possibility of a white Christmas for select areas, adding an element of uncertainty to holiday travel plans.
PHOTO: An ABC News graphic displays the weather forecast for Friday, December 20, 2024. (ABC News)
As the holiday season unfolds, travelers are advised to stay informed of changing weather conditions and exercise caution while navigating potentially treacherous roadways. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving weather patterns and plan your holiday travel accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to your destination.
