A developing winter storm system is forecast to bring the first accumulating snowfall of the season to parts of the U.S. this weekend, with up to nine states potentially affected. Meteorologists say the storm will merge with another system moving eastward, bringing rain, coastal flooding risks, and sharp temperature drops from the Great Lakes to the Southeast.
Key developments:
- Rain is expected to begin Wednesday night across the interior Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, transitioning to wet snow in higher elevations by Thursday night.
- Temperatures are projected to fall 20 degrees between Wednesday and Friday, with lows in the 30s as far south as the Florida Panhandle by the weekend.
Forecasts indicate the storm will most likely impact interior Northeast and central Appalachian regions, though snow accumulation outside higher elevations remains uncertain. Major East Coast cities, including New York and Boston, are currently expected to remain above freezing, limiting snowfall chances.
Storm timing and intensity remain uncertain
Meteorologists caution that the weekend’s weather remains difficult to predict, with varying forecasts on precipitation type and intensity. Some models suggest strong winds and coastal flooding along the East Coast, while others indicate lighter precipitation with localized flooding risks. The National Weather Service notes that nor’easters typically form along the U.S. East Coast between September and April, bringing northeast winds and heavy impacts.
Regional impacts and timing
- Rain is expected from Georgia to Michigan by Wednesday night, with wet snow possible in the interior Northeast by Thursday night.
- Northern New England, upstate New York, and the Appalachians are the most likely areas to see accumulating snow, marking the season’s first snowfall in many locations.
- Coastal areas may experience rain transitioning to mixed precipitation, while inland regions could see snow, particularly at higher elevations.
Broader weather patterns and long-term outlook
The storm arrives amid an unusually warm start to November, influenced by a strengthening El Niño pattern. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a polarized winter, with the northern U.S. expected to see above-average temperatures and the Southwest and Southeast experiencing near-normal conditions. Precipitation is projected to be above average in the southern U.S. and parts of the Northeast, while the Northwest is expected to remain dry.
The last nor’easter, which occurred in September, brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and power outages to tens of thousands of households. This weekend’s storm follows a similar pattern but with the added risk of early-season snowfall in interior regions.
Forecasts will continue to refine as the storm system develops. Residents in potentially affected areas are advised to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local meteorological services.