Winter Storm Brings Snow to Northeast, Travel Disruptions Likely
TORONTO, January 18, 2026 – A potent coastal storm is tracking up the Atlantic seaboard, delivering a widespread snowfall event from the Mid-Atlantic states through New England. The system, which began affecting the region on Sunday, January 18, is expected to cause slippery travel conditions and potential accumulations of several centimetres. Meanwhile, a strong cold front continues to generate snow showers and squalls across the Northern Plains of the United States.
Storm System Batters Northeast
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm moving along the coast is bringing snow to major metropolitan areas along the I-95 corridor, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Forecasters warn of reduced visibility and snow-covered roads, particularly in suburban and outlying areas. The NWS also reports that a separate strong cold front is sweeping across the Northern Plains, which may bring blizzard conditions to parts of eastern North Dakota and northwestern Montana, with heavy snow persisting downwind of the Great Lakes.
Forecast for Major Cities
The following table outlines expected snowfall and conditions for selected cities based on National Weather Service and AccuWeather forecasts for January 18, 2026.
| City | Expected Snowfall (cm) | Timeline & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | 5–23 cm (2–9 inches) | Snow ongoing Sunday, January 18, tapering overnight. Highest amounts north/west of the city. Potential for heaviest snowfall since January 2022. |
| Washington, D.C. | Coating to 5 cm (1–2 inches) | Rain mixing with snow Sunday, changing to all snow late afternoon. Roads likely wet to slushy in the city centre. |
| Boston, MA | 10–20 cm (4–8 inches) | Snow expected through the day Sunday, potentially impacting travel for the long weekend. |
| Winnipeg, MB | Coating to 2.5 cm (~1 inch) | Snow forecast to begin Tuesday afternoon, January 20, ending early Wednesday, January 21. |
| Regina, SK | 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) | Snow expected from early Tuesday, January 20, through early Wednesday, January 21. |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | Coating to 2.5 cm (~1 inch) | Snow event occurred Sunday, January 18 (afternoon to evening). |
Ski Conditions and Resort Reports
The active weather pattern is a boon for ski resorts. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia reports sunny alpine conditions with a high of 8°C and a freezing level at 2300 metres under a persistent ridge of high pressure. In the United States, OpenSnow forecasters note an active pattern in the East, with new storms arriving every few days, bringing significant snow totals to New England. User reports from resorts like Park City Mountain Resort describe good coverage on groomed runs, with some icy spots off-piste.
Safety and Preparedness
Environment Canada and the U.S. National Weather Service urge residents to be prepared for winter weather. This includes having an emergency kit at home with supplies for at least 72 hours, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready with proper tires and an emergency kit, and dressing in layers to protect against frostbite during the accompanying Arctic blast. Wind chills in parts of Minnesota are forecast to drop to -29°C to -34°C (-20°F to -30°F) early in the week, which can cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much snow is New York City expected to get?
The official forecast for New York City on January 18, 2026, calls for 5 to 23 centimetres (2 to 9 inches) of snow, with the highest amounts likely north and west of the city centre. This could be the largest snowfall for the city in over four years.
Are Canadian cities affected by this storm?
While the major coastal storm is primarily affecting the northeastern United States, Canadian Prairies cities like Winnipeg and Regina are forecast to receive light snow from a separate system on Tuesday, January 20. Environment Canada advises monitoring local forecasts for any weather alerts.
What is causing the travel delays?
Snowfall rates of 2.5 to 5 centimetres (1 to 2 inches) per hour are possible during the peak of the storm along the U.S. East Coast, leading to rapid accumulations on roads and reduced visibility. This creates hazardous driving conditions and increases the risk of accidents, such as a reported multi-vehicle pileup on I-81 in New York linked to a snow squall.