Northeast faces first significant winter snowstorm, while Philadelphia remains unaffected.

A major winter storm has dramatically affected the northeastern United States, marking the first significant snowfall of the season. This weather event, which began Tuesday morning, follows a series of snow and ice storms that previously disrupted travel across the Midwest over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Parts of northern New England anticipate snowfall totals reaching up to 10 inches, while wind and icy conditions are forecasted to impact various regions. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and weather advisories in several states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and New York. As snow fell steadily throughout the day, some areas were spared the significant accumulations initially predicted.

In Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia region, light freezing rain and sleet were recorded early Tuesday, leading several school districts in Chester and Montgomery Counties to implement two-hour delays. Minimal accumulation of freezing rain was noted, particularly in areas like Doylestown and Pottstown.

This storm follows a noteworthy event in Chicago, where O’Hare International Airport recorded over 8 inches of snow over the weekend, establishing a new record for the highest single-day snowfall in November since 1951. Although snowfall in the Great Lakes region appeared to be dwindling, the current system is projected to travel towards the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where accumulation could reach as much as a foot in certain areas.

The National Weather Service emphasized the significance of this storm, which is poised to be the season’s first major snowfall for many communities, resulting in hundreds of flight delays. Meteorologists advised that conditions could present dangerous travel challenges, prompting many forecasters to urge residents to postpone travel plans if possible.

In the wake of the storm, schools and government offices were closed across various regions of the Northeast due to hazardous road conditions. In upstate New York, schools canceled classes in anticipation of snowfall exceeding six inches.

In New Hampshire, the state’s Department of Transportation is engaging residents in a light-hearted “name-a-plow” competition as part of their winter preparations. With this system impacting wider regions, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has initiated vehicle restrictions to facilitate snow removal as crews are deployed to manage the conditions across its expansive network of lanes.

Ohio is similarly contending with winter weather, as advisories remain in effect across the state. Overnight snowfall led to accumulations of 3 to 5 inches in southern areas, resulting in numerous traffic incidents. Authorities have warned residents of continued risks associated with icy roads and limited visibility.

The snowstorm, which intensified as it moved toward coastal regions, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather. Further weather systems could potentially bring additional precipitation to the Northeast later in the week, reinforcing the importance of preparation and safety during this season.

As winter weather becomes more prevalent, both preparations and awareness of conditions will be vital for residents and travelers alike. For continuous updates and forecasts, residents are encouraged to consult local weather services and advisories.

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