New York City Joins Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Des Moines and Other US Cities to Embrace Snowstorm, Bringing New Travel Chaos During Pre Holiday of This Year

Published on December 10, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

New York City joins Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Des Moines, and other US cities to embrace a snowstorm that is set to disrupt travel plans just before the holidays. As winter weather continues to intensify, these major cities across the United States are bracing for heavy snow, ice, and hazardous conditions.

The storm, which has already blanketed cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Des Moines, is now moving toward the Northeast, with New York City and Philadelphia in its path. This snowstorm promises to bring widespread travel chaos, causing delays and cancellations at airports and major roadways. With the holidays fast approaching, this weather event will impact thousands of travelers eager to reach their destinations.

As the snowstorm intensifies, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest weather updates and prepare for potential disruptions. Keep reading to find out how this snowstorm will affect travel in these major US cities.

The anticipation is growing. Will cold clipper storms finally bring snow to New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston this winter? These major cities in the Northeast US have been missing out on accumulating snow, while places like Chicago, Detroit, and Des Moines, Iowa, have already received their share of winter weather. With the clock ticking, many are wondering when the first snow will hit the I-95 corridor. The cold clipper storms bringing Arctic air could soon provide the answer. Will these storms deliver snow to NYC, Philly, and Boston? Here’s everything you need to know.

More Snow and Cold on the Way for the Northeast
Cold clipper storms are on the move, and the Northeast is in the line of fire. These quick-moving storms originating from Western Canada are racing through the Midwest and Northeast, bringing Arctic air along with them. One of the storms hitting this weekend could finally deliver measurable snow to areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. These fast-moving systems are expected to bring waves of cold, snow, and hazardous winds to millions of residents across the region. The question remains: will these storms finally bring the snow those cities have been waiting for?

Large Clipper Storm Will Bring Snow to Northern Regions
The first of these storms is already making its way across the northern US. As it moves from North Dakota on Tuesday afternoon to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan by Wednesday morning, it is expected to blanket much of the Great Lakes and New England with snow. From upstate New York to Vermont, 3 to 6 inches of snow is expected, with some areas in Wisconsin and Michigan seeing up to a foot of snow. But the larger question is whether New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston will get their first snow of the season. These cities are still waiting for their turn.

Hazardous Winds and Wintry Mix to Accompany the Snow
This storm will not only bring snow but also a dangerous wintry mix. Along with snow, the storm will bring freezing rain, sleet, and rain, making for treacherous conditions along the I-95 corridor. In cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Cleveland, a thin coating of ice could make travel hazardous. Snow squalls could reduce visibility on the roads, making driving dangerous in many areas. Winds of up to 70 mph could damage outdoor decorations and cause further disruptions. While NYC, Philly, and Boston are not yet in the direct path, this could change as the storm moves eastward.

Lake-Effect Snow and Snow Squalls to Follow the Clipper
As Arctic air follows behind the storm, lake-effect snow will continue to develop over the Great Lakes, spreading snow squalls into parts of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. This could extend to the I-95 corridor late on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Although snow squalls may not reach the major cities directly, they could cause localized disruptions. For example, roads that were recently cleared could quickly become slippery again as bursts of snow move through the area. Fast-moving snow squalls could reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions for travelers, especially along major highways like Interstate 95.

Second Clipper Storm Could Deliver Snow to the I-95 Corridor
The second clipper storm, due later in the week, may bring additional snow to the region. This storm is expected to track farther south, impacting the Ohio Valley and parts of the central and northern Appalachians by Friday. Cities like Indianapolis and Cincinnati could see light snowfalls, but as the storm moves eastward toward the Northeast, it could bring more substantial snow to the I-95 corridor. Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston may finally get their first accumulating snow of the season. However, the intensity and timing of the snow will depend on how much moisture the storm is able to gather as it moves along the coast.

Lake-Effect Snow and Snow Squalls to Follow the Clipper
As Arctic air follows behind the storm, lake-effect snow will continue to develop over the Great Lakes, spreading snow squalls into parts of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. This could extend to the I-95 corridor late on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Although snow squalls may not reach the major cities directly, they could cause localized disruptions. For example, roads that were recently cleared could quickly become slippery again as bursts of snow move through the area. Fast-moving snow squalls could reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions for travelers, especially along major highways like Interstate 95.

Second Clipper Storm Could Deliver Snow to the I-95 Corridor
The second clipper storm, due later in the week, may bring additional snow to the region. This storm is expected to track farther south, impacting the Ohio Valley and parts of the central and northern Appalachians by Friday. Cities like Indianapolis and Cincinnati could see light snowfalls, but as the storm moves eastward toward the Northeast, it could bring more substantial snow to the I-95 corridor. Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston may finally get their first accumulating snow of the season. However, the intensity and timing of the snow will depend on how much moisture the storm is able to gather as it moves along the coast.

Potential for First Accumulating Snow for NYC, Philly, and Boston
The weekend’s storms could bring the first accumulating snow to cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. The storm’s track will determine whether it will be a snowstorm or a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. AccuWeather’s experts have noted that while snow is not a certainty, there is a strong possibility that the I-95 corridor will finally experience measurable snow. Even if a wintry mix occurs, this could still lead to travel delays, affecting commuters and holiday travelers. Those in the Northeast should prepare for winter conditions that could cause disruptions to travel plans.

Travel Disruptions and Snow Delays Expected This Weekend
Motorists and air passengers in the Northeast should brace for potential travel delays as these cold clipper storms bring snow and ice to the region. With winds gusting up to 70 mph and snow squalls reducing visibility, hazardous conditions are expected along major highways, including I-95. Snow could impact the busiest airports in the region, including those in New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Travelers should monitor weather reports closely as these storms approach and be prepared for possible disruptions. Whether it’s snow, sleet, or a wintry mix, this weekend promises to bring significant winter weather to the Northeast.

Are Snowstorms Finally Coming to NYC, Philly, and Boston?
The answer is likely yes. After a long wait, cold clipper storms are expected to bring snow to New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston this weekend. Whether these cities will see snow or a wintry mix depends on how much moisture the storms can gather, but there is a strong possibility for measurable snow. The key will be the storm’s ability to tap into enough moisture and the timing of the Arctic air. Regardless, this will mark the first snow for many in the Northeast, and it is worth preparing for travel disruptions, especially for those heading out this weekend.