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Winter Storm to Disrupt Post‑Thanksgiving Travel Across Eastern U.S.; 72 Million Under Alerts

Heavy snow, rain and ice will affect the eastern U.S. on Dec. 1, with the worst conditions expected Tuesday and gradual improvement by Wednesday. About 72 million people are under winter‑weather alerts. Southern areas from Houston to Atlanta may receive 2–3 inches of rain with flood risk, while the Poconos through eastern Maine could see the heaviest snow — some spots exceeding a foot. Icy roads will also threaten travel from parts of the Plains into the Mid‑Atlantic.

09:25 PM, 12/01/2025Environment
Winter Storm to Disrupt Post‑Thanksgiving Travel Across Eastern U.S.; 72 Million Under Alerts

A potent winter storm is expected to disrupt travel and commuting across the eastern half of the United States on Dec. 1, bringing a wintry mix of heavy rain, accumulating snow and pockets of ice. Forecasters say the worst conditions are likely Tuesday, with improvement by Wednesday as the system moves offshore.

Where and when: The system moves east on Monday, will be off the Mid‑Atlantic coast by Tuesday, and along the New England coast by Tuesday night.

Scope: About 72 million people were under winter‑weather alerts Monday, from parts of the Rockies through southern New England.

Rain and flooding: The southern flank of the storm — from Houston to Atlanta — could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain through Wednesday, with localized flash flooding possible in low‑lying and urban areas.

Ice and travel hazards: Icy road conditions are likely in parts of Arkansas and could extend into West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky. Interstate 95 is expected to see mostly rain but a brief period of mixed rain and wet snow could make commutes messy.

Snow: The heaviest snow is forecast from the Poconos into eastern Maine, with intense bands producing rates near 1 inch per hour. Some New England locations could see more than a foot of accumulation, straining plowing operations and causing significant travel delays.

This system follows a disruptive holiday‑weekend storm in the Midwest that produced large highway crashes and widespread flight cancellations and delays. Chicago O'Hare recorded 8.4 inches of snow over the weekend — the deepest November single‑day total on record there.

Outlook and impacts: Central parts of the Plains into the Mississippi Valley may still need snow removal early in the week, with a few inches possible and icy roads in places such as Omaha and Kansas City. Major metro areas including Philadelphia, Boston and New York City should prepare for a mix of wet snow and rain that could slow commutes. Travelers should expect delays on Tuesday and check local advisories before heading out.

Safety tips: Allow extra travel time, keep an emergency kit in vehicles, avoid flooded roads, and follow local travel advisories and closures.

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