A winter storm brings snow and rain to the northeastern United States, affecting millions of people.

 

The system is moving from the southeast toward the Atlantic coast, prompting local authorities to monitor potential disruptions to traffic and services.

A new winter storm is affecting millions of residents in the northeastern United States on January 17 and 18, with snow and rain disrupting mobility and prompting weather alerts in cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. The storm, moving from the southeast toward the Atlantic coast, is causing varying amounts of snow accumulation and changing conditions in the region.

According to updated data from the U.S. National Weather Service (NOAA), the storm has generated intermittent snow and rain since early Friday morning, with accumulations expected to be between 2 and 8 centimeters in urban areas and up to 15 centimeters in inland areas. The federal agency is maintaining winter weather alerts and warnings, while municipal services are coordinating preventative measures with transportation and emergency departments. FOX Weather also reports that the conditions have forced traffic adjustments and prompted the preparation of road cleaning crews in key cities.

The Northeast is experiencing a winter with below-average snowfall in recent years. According to NOAA records, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia have accumulated deficits of up to 70 inches (about 178 centimeters) compared to the average of the last decade, a trend that has worsened since 2021. Authorities have indicated that storms like the current one could help reduce this gap, although the intensity and duration of the precipitation remain subject to the evolution of the weather system.

What is the updated forecast from authorities for today and tomorrow?

According to NOAA's official report for Thursday, January 17, the storm is moving from the Southeast, first affecting inland areas and extending toward the I-95 corridor, where metropolitan areas like New York and Philadelphia are located. The agency forecasts that the greatest snow accumulation will occur north and west of Washington, D.C. Snow is expected to fall as far south as Maine, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) and locally higher amounts in rural areas.

FOX Weather reported that snow will continue through the morning and early afternoon in the New York metropolitan area, where accumulations of 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters) are expected, although intermittent rain could lessen the impact on the city. For Boston, the forecast indicates mixed precipitation, with light snow in the suburbs and rain near the city center, accumulating 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 centimeters) in the outer areas.

How are the alerts distributed and what actions are taken?

The winter weather alerts issued by NOAA and state authorities primarily cover northern Pennsylvania, western New Jersey, southern New York, and inland New England. According to the federal agency, “conditions could change rapidly, so it is recommended to pay attention to local advisories and limit non-essential travel.”

The New York City Department of Transportation explained that “maintenance crews remain deployed on key routes, prioritizing freeways and major access roads to the city.” In Boston, Mayor Martin Walsh announced that “city crews are working on street cleaning and ice control, with special attention to peak hours and the public transportation network,” according to statements reported by FOX Weather.

In Philadelphia, city officials reported that “emergency crews have been reinforced and residents are advised to use public transportation and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heaviest precipitation,” according to the National Weather Service bulletin.

What are the differences between urban and inland areas?

According to FOX Weather, snow accumulation will be more significant in areas farther from the I-95 corridor, where temperatures will remain below 0°C (32°F). In inland areas like upstate New York and western Massachusetts, models predict up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of fresh snow. In contrast, major cities will see less accumulation due to a mix of rain and milder temperatures.

NOAA meteorologists emphasize that “the slow movement of the system and the presence of warmer air will limit accumulations along the coast.” This pattern has been repeated in recent winters, with heavier snowfall in rural regions and a reduced impact on major urban centers.

Road cleaning crews and public transportation are intensifying preventative measures in anticipation of snow and rain, according to reports from FOX Weather and local authorities. (EFE/ Ángel Colmenares)

What is the historical context and what figures are the authorities using?

According to NOAA records, since 2021, cities in the Northeast have experienced a sustained reduction in snowfall. “Washington, D.C. has accumulated a deficit of 25 inches (63 centimeters) compared to the average, while New York City shows a negative difference of almost 70 inches (178 centimeters), and Boston leads the record with 103 inches (262 centimeters) less than the average,” states the agency's annual report.

FOX Weather indicated that “this episode could help partially reduce the deficits, although short-term forecasts continue to show a trend toward variability and the presence of mixed systems.” Experts warn that these fluctuations complicate the planning of urban services and the management of resources for snow control.

What can we expect in the coming hours, and what are the recommended actions? Official forecasts from NOAA and FOX Weather agree that the storm will remain active until Friday night, January 17, in the northeastern corridor, with a gradual decrease in snow and a shift to rain in coastal cities. On Saturday the 18th, the system will move eastward, bringing more stable conditions but with low temperatures, especially inland.

Authorities recommend that the public check official information channels, exercise caution on the roads, and heed the instructions of emergency services. The National Weather Service reiterated that “conditions can change in a matter of hours, so vigilance and preparedness are key to mitigating the effects of the storm.”

The impact of this winter event is reflected in disruptions to urban mobility, infrastructure preparations, and the reactivation of emergency protocols throughout the northeastern United States. Continuous monitoring of forecasts and cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies allow for adjustments to responses as the storm evolves.