
Monster Winter Storm Unleashes Havoc Across US: Latest Snow Totals & Cold Weather Forecast
A formidable winter storm recently swept across the United States, leaving a trail of heavy snowfall, treacherous travel conditions, and now, bracing extreme cold. From the Midwest to the Northeast, this fast-moving system marked the first widespread significant snow of the season for many, impacting millions and causing considerable disruption. As the storm moves offshore, a new threat of historically low temperatures looms.
Our comprehensive weather forecast recap brings you the critical details, from incredible snow accumulations to the ongoing impacts on travel and the impending deep freeze.
Midwest Reeled by Initial Onslaught and Deep Freeze
The journey of this powerful snow storm began in the Midwest, where it swiftly dumped several inches of snow. The initial impact was severe, leading to hundreds of crashes, a tragic fatality, and grinding travel to a halt. As the region begins to clear snow, it now faces an even more daunting challenge: record-breaking cold temperatures. The bitter cold air mass, originating from Canada, is set to engulf the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, with daytime highs struggling to reach 10 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Dakotas.
Forecasters warn that Thursday morning will bring the most intense cold, with temperatures plummeting below zero as far south as northern Missouri. Wind chills are expected to range from -10 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor exposure incredibly dangerous. Even by afternoon, much of the Midwest will remain stuck in the teens, significantly colder than normal for early December. Residents are urged to take extreme precautions against the cold.
Northeast and New England: A Blanket of White
The snow storm then made its way to the Northeast and New England, delivering a substantial blanket of snow, particularly to interior regions. While major coastal cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston largely experienced rain or a mix, areas further inland were buried under 6 to 12 inches of snow.
Throughout Tuesday, heavy snow continued to fall across interior New England, with many areas already reporting 6-10 inches and more expected. Locations like Phoenicia, New York, astonishingly reported a foot of snow, while northeastern Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire all saw significant accumulations of 6 to 9 inches.
Key Snow Totals by State (as of 2:30 PM ET):
- Pennsylvania: 6.9 inches in Mill Village (Northwest); Pittsburgh metro saw 2-4 inches.
- Vermont: 6.6 inches in Arlington (Southernmost).
- New York: 6.5 inches in Marathon (Central NY); Binghamton 5.9 inches; Albany 4-5 inches.
- Massachusetts: 6 inches near Otis (Southwest).
- New Hampshire: 4.5 inches in multiple central locations.
- Maine: 4 inches in Lewiston.
Travel Chaos and Public Safety Warnings
The severe winter weather led to widespread travel disruptions. Boston Logan International Airport experienced a ground stop due to high winds. Road conditions deteriorated rapidly, leading to a surge in accidents and stranded vehicles. Vermont State Police reported responding to 50 weather-related wrecks, with 17 on highways and 33 on local roads, resulting in four injuries. In Pennsylvania, State Police saw a dramatic increase in incidents, responding to 625 crashes and 720 disabled vehicles in just one day.
A harrowing incident in Mason County, West Virginia, saw a tractor-trailer driver rescued from a cab hanging off a bridge due to slick roads. These events underscore the critical importance of heeding winter weather safety advisories from the National Weather Service and exercising extreme caution when driving in such conditions.
Even air travel was affected, with crews at airports like Rochester, New York, battling to de-ice aircraft as snow continued to fall, highlighting the logistical challenges posed by the storm.
The Storm’s Final Stages and What’s Next
As of late Tuesday, the winter storm began its final push eastward. Snow and rain will taper off overnight Tuesday into Wednesday across the Northeast. New England, particularly coastal areas, will experience increasingly windy conditions as the storm strengthens offshore.
By Wednesday morning’s rush hour, all significant snow and rain should have concluded across New England. However, the legacy of the storm—especially the extreme cold—will persist, particularly for the Midwest. Residents are advised to stay informed about local weather forecasts and prepare for the freezing temperatures that will follow in the storm’s wake.
Stay safe and warm!




