Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds are making post-holiday travel difficult across much of the U.S.
Blizzard and Snow Alerts
A bomb cyclone brought snow from the Midwest to the Northeast over the weekend. As of Monday, 32 million people are under winter weather alerts across the Upper Midwest and New England. Blizzard warnings remain in effect for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Lake Effect Snow
Upstate New York, especially Buffalo, faces heavy lake effect snow. Snowfall of 12 to 24 inches is expected, with isolated totals up to 36 inches. Snow will continue for several days downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Icy Roads in the Northeast
Freezing rain on Monday adds to the existing snow from Friday and Saturday, creating dangerous roads. Pennsylvania through Maine could see up to half an inch of ice, causing power outages and tree damage.
Strong Winds Across the Country
Wind alerts cover 109 million people, mostly in the Northeast, Midwest, Great Lakes, and parts of the Southern Plains. Gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph, and locally up to 70 mph, in the Ohio Valley, Appalachians, and east of the Great Lakes. Tornadoes are also possible.
Air Travel Disruptions
Airports are experiencing backups during the busiest travel time of the year. On Sunday, more than 10,000 flights were delayed. By Monday morning, over 1,380 flights were delayed and more than 420 were cancelled, according to FlightAware. Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo airports face the worst snow impacts, while Philadelphia, New York, and Boston may see rain-related travel delays.
Tips for Travelers
AAA advises drivers to travel before 10 a.m., as afternoon and evening conditions will worsen congestion and hazards.
