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

USAFriday, December 12, 2025
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Winter is making its presence known in the northeastern United States. Two fast-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.

First Storm: Quick and Wide

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.

  • Minneapolis
  • Chicago
  • Columbus, Ohio

However, these cities won't see a lot of snow. Even a small amount can make travel difficult, especially in cold conditions.

Heaviest Snow in Montana

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.

Second Storm: Double Trouble

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.

East Coast Impact

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.

  • Philadelphia
  • New York City
  • 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.

Cold Blast to Follow

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.

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