A fast-moving winter storm blanketed parts of the Northeast with snow Friday evening, disrupting one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Snowfall reached as far as the Interstate 95 corridor, creating potentially hazardous conditions from Philadelphia to Boston.
By Saturday morning, eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and eastern Connecticut had received 3-6 inches of snow. Boston’s iconic Fenway Park measured a solid 6 inches, while Logan Airport recorded 5.2 inches—the city’s largest snowfall since the Blizzard of January 2022.
Travel Woes and Accidents Across the Region
The winter weather wreaked havoc on travel. Over 13,000 flights were delayed nationwide Friday, with hundreds canceled. Boston Logan International and New York airports were among the hardest hit, as deicing efforts and poor visibility slowed operations.
Road travel was equally treacherous. In Massachusetts, multiple crashes were reported along Interstate 90/Mass Pike, including semi-truck collisions that temporarily closed eastbound lanes. Further west, icy conditions caused additional accidents with reported injuries.
Lighter snowfall impacted New York City and Philadelphia, where accumulations remained under 2 inches. In northern New Jersey, totals ranged from 1-3 inches. Residents in New York City’s skyscrapers observed snowfall at higher elevations, but warmer ground temperatures prevented significant accumulation.
The Storm’s Meteorological Origins
The snowfall stemmed from an Alberta Clipper system originating in Canada, enhanced by a coastal low-pressure system off the Carolinas. “This East Coast energy transfer essentially absorbed the clipper system’s energy, intensifying the storm as it moved up the coastline,” explained FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime.
Impact on the Midwest and Beyond
The storm’s effects extended to the Midwest, where Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport paused departures Friday morning due to snowy and icy conditions. Up to 10 inches of snow fell across parts of the Upper Midwest on Thursday, prompting snow alerts in 10 states from Wisconsin to North Carolina.
By Friday night, more than 9,300 flights were delayed nationwide, with 523 cancellations. Boston Logan and San Diego International were among the airports most affected, with 154 and 157 cancellations respectively.
Looking Ahead: Bitter Cold and a Holiday Rebound
As the snow tapers off, a bitter cold snap is set to grip the Northeast, with temperatures plunging into the teens and single digits early next week. However, a slight rebound is expected just in time for Christmas, offering relief to holiday travelers.
Despite the disruptions, the storm served as a stark reminder of winter’s unpredictable power and the challenges it poses to both residents and travelers during the holiday season.
