Winter's First Dance: Snow on the Horizon for Major Cities

Winter is showing its first signs in the northeastern United States. Two quick-moving storms, known as clippers, are set to bring snow to a large area. These storms will travel from the northern Plains through the Ohio Valley and then move off the mid-Atlantic coast. While some people might be excited about the snow, others will have to deal with the hassles of slippery roads and flight delays. The first storm will cover a lot of ground in a short time. It will move about 1, 000 miles in just 24 hours, from southwestern Iowa to western Virginia. The snow will be spread out over a wide area, reaching cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. However, these cities won't see a lot of snow. Even a small amount can make travel difficult, especially in cold conditions. The heaviest snow is expected in Montana, where some areas could see up to 48 inches. Other places, like the Dakotas, West Virginia, and parts of Tennessee, could get 3 to 6 inches. The second storm will follow a similar path but will move a bit farther north. This means cities like Davenport, Peoria, Cincinnati, and Charleston could see two rounds of snow, adding up to 6-12 inches. As the second storm moves along the East Coast, it might pick up some moisture from the Atlantic. This could lead to more widespread snow along the Interstate 95 corridor, which includes cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Even though the snowfall won't be heavy, it will be the first of the season. This often leads to more accidents because drivers need to remember how to drive safely in snowy conditions. After the storms pass, a cold blast will follow. This could be one of the last very cold snaps for a while. The cold air will come from northern Canada, making the temperatures drop significantly.