Snow, Ice and Rain Expected to Impact Northeastern United States, Affecting Holiday Shopping and Travel

In the northeastern United States, snow, ice, and rain are likely to delay Christmas travel and dampen last-minute holiday shopping this weekend.

This comes after a week of record-breaking temperatures in the Northeast. On Friday night, rain and sleet were recorded in central Pennsylvania, but they rapidly melted after falling on roads and decks of houses.

Areas to Experience Heavy Snow  

In the north-central part of the state of New York, light snow started falling early Saturday morning, followed by a heavy blanket of freezing air. As the hurricane continues to wreak havoc in the area this weekend, this is only the beginning.

According to an AccuWeather Meteorologist, snow, sleet and freezing rain are likely to strike sections of the Northeast until Saturday night. Several inches of snow may fall during the day in ski country, resulting in a significant increase in business, according to News Break.

There will be heavy snowfall in New England, particularly in Vermont and New Hampshire, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Mary Gilbert. More than six inches of snow might fall in some regions, with a foot or more likely in the summits.

There will be plenty of snow from New York to northern New England this weekend thanks to the storm, according to meteorologist David Gilbert. It's expected that the Adirondacks will get at least 3 inches of snow and up to 12 inches in certain areas of New York state, including Albany and Syracuse.

Also Read: US Receives Its Lowest Early December Snow in 18 Years 

(Photo : Getty Images)

Motorists Urged to Drive Slowly and Carefully

Even while this snow may bring delight to some, it can also be hazardous, particularly during the Christmas season when the roads are crowded with shoppers and tourists.

It's important for drivers to keep an eye out for changes in visibility and slippery roads, Gilbert advised. As a result of the disruption in shipping, last-minute gift recipients may have to wait a little longer.

Despite the dangers posed by snow, ice is also expected to be on the roads in the Northeast on Saturday, reducing visibility and making the roads slick.

A wintry mix is predicted to blanket most of Massachusetts, as well as sections of New York and Connecticut. 

On high and grassy areas, ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch are possible. Motorists are urged by AccuWeather forecasts to slow down, be mindful of changing weather conditions, and make sure they have an ice scraper on hand if they must go. Roads may seem moist, but they might really be covered with ice.

(Photo : Getty Images)

Rainfall May Disrupt Holiday Shopping

In areas like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City, holiday shoppers will have to deal with rain and there will be little prospect of a white Christmas because of the rain. According to the AccuWeather long-range prediction, Saturday in New York City might be chilly and rainy with highs in the 40s.

Toward the end of Saturday, rain will begin to dissipate from the region, but it will continue through Sunday morning in sections of Maine and the Atlantic Provinces. 

Snow flurries are expected to blanket much of the northern half of the Northeast on Sunday, bringing with them chilly conditions.

Throughout the day, temperatures are expected to be in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Temperatures in New York City are expected to fall below the city's average of 33 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday night. Residents in the region could see a rise in heating costs as a result of this sudden change in weather.

Researchers expect this unusually cold weather pattern to persist. Snow showers are possible throughout the Great Lakes and the interior Northeast next week, according to the long-range forecast team.

Related Article: Meteorologists: Chances of White Christmas Across US is Changing

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