Major Winter Storm Blankets Northeast With Heavy Snow

The Northeast is bracing for its biggest winter storm of the season, as meteorologists warn that a massive system sweeping across the United States will bring heavy, powdery snow and dangerously cold temperatures to Vermont, New York, and beyond. With forecasts predicting significant snowfall totals and life-threatening wind chills, officials and residents alike are preparing for a disruptive start to the week.

According to NBC5, the season’s largest snowstorm will arrive on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026, with Vermont and New York expected to receive several inches of dry, powdery snow through Monday. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning, noting that temperatures will plunge into the single digits above and below zero on both Saturday and Sunday. Wind chills are forecast to drop between -20° and -45°, making outdoor conditions hazardous and prompting widespread advisories.

Syracuse.com reports that this storm is part of a massive system affecting up to 200 million Americans as it rumbles across the country. Forecasters are increasingly confident that all of Upstate New York will see at least 7 inches of snow, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. The storm will track from southwest to northeast, with snow beginning before dawn on Sunday in Western New York and reaching the Capital Region by about 8 a.m.

The origins of this powerful winter event are noteworthy. As detailed by Syracuse.com, the storm is developing in the Southwest, fueled by an atmospheric river pouring in from the Pacific Ocean. As it moves across the southern United States, it will pick up additional moisture from the Gulf of Mexico before banking left at the East Coast and heading toward the Northeast. While snow and ice are expected to cripple parts of the mid-South—including cities like Nashville and Dallas—Upstate New York will be spared the ice, as bitterly cold air pouring in from Canada ensures the precipitation falls exclusively as snow.

A winter storm warning is in effect for much of the region, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to the severity of the cold and snow. NBC5 notes that Sunday will begin dry with a mostly cloudy sky, but steady snow will spread into southern Vermont by late morning, expanding northward to the Canadian border by mid-afternoon. Moderate to heavy snow is expected to continue through Sunday night into early Monday morning, with likely impacts to schools and businesses on Monday, January 26, 2026.

“Confidence is high that most of the area will receive a foot or more of snow,” the National Weather Service told Syracuse.com. In southern Vermont, NBC5 forecasts that snowfall totals will exceed a foot, while most of the region—including northern New York and Vermont—will see a solid 8 to 12 inches. Slightly lower amounts are expected in the far northern reaches, but even these areas will not be spared the storm’s impact.

The cold has already begun to take its toll. As of Saturday, January 24, Syracuse experienced its coldest day in nearly two years, with temperatures dropping to -7°F by 6 a.m.—the lowest reading since February 2023. Wind chills dipped to -18°F early that morning, and a cold weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday. NBC5 adds that wind chills could reach between -20° and -45° through Saturday morning, underscoring the danger for anyone venturing outdoors.

The timing and intensity of the snowfall will pose significant challenges. Syracuse.com explains that light snow will start before daybreak on Sunday, increasing in intensity during the morning, with about an inch expected by noon. The heart of the storm will arrive early Sunday afternoon, with snowfall rates approaching 1 to 2 inches per hour. The bulk of the snow is forecast to fall between 1 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. Monday, with Syracuse potentially receiving a foot of snow in just 12 hours. Driving conditions during this period could be treacherous, as the snow will fall so quickly that plows may struggle to keep up.

One factor that could make cleanup more manageable—if not less hazardous—is the nature of the snow itself. Both NBC5 and Syracuse.com emphasize that, due to the bitter cold, the snow will be very light and fluffy, containing about half as much water as a typical snowfall. This means the snow will be easier to shovel but more prone to drifting and accumulation on roads and sidewalks.

As the storm continues, steady light snow is expected through Monday afternoon and evening, with the entire system departing by Tuesday morning, January 27. Syracuse.com notes that snowfall rates will slow early Monday, but an additional 2 to 3 inches could fall between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., potentially leading to school delays or closures. Some events have already been canceled, including Syracuse University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event originally scheduled for Sunday.

Looking ahead, the aftermath of the storm will linger. NBC5 warns that temperatures will remain below freezing through the first weekend of February 2026, ensuring that any snow that falls will stick around for many days. Syracuse.com adds that the week following the storm is expected to be the coldest in years, with high temperatures not exceeding 20°F through at least the weekend of February 1-2, 2026. Lake effect snow may also develop in Central New York as the storm pulls away, potentially adding to already significant totals.

Officials urge residents to stay weather-aware and take necessary precautions. Both NBC5 and Syracuse.com recommend monitoring local news and weather apps for the latest updates, school closures, and emergency alerts. The National Weather Service and state authorities stress the importance of minimizing travel during the worst of the storm, dressing in layers to guard against frostbite, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

For many in Vermont and New York, this storm will be a test of winter preparedness and community resilience. As the region hunkers down, all eyes will be on the skies—and on the snowplows—waiting for the storm to pass and a return to more manageable winter weather.