Winter Storm to Bring Heavy Rain, Ice, and Strong Winds to Midwest and Northeast
A powerful post-holiday storm is tracking east, set to deliver heavy rain, ice, and strong winds, increasing the risk of flash flooding and in its wake, possibly feet of lake-effect snow. Blizzard Warnings are up for portions of the Midwest. The storm system is expected to bring a mixture of rain and snow blended with a blast of Arctic air that will usher in below-average temperatures along much of the East Coast to start off the New Year.
Just after a strong winter storm blanketed areas of the Northeast in snow and disrupted post-Christmas travel on one of the busiest weekends of the year, another fast-moving system will bring a mixture of rain and snow blended with a blast of Arctic air. Both New York and New Jersey were declared to be in a State of Emergency by government officials, and thousands of flights were delayed and canceled in the region Friday.
Storm Timeline and Expected Impacts
A long, trailing cold front will become the focus for millions, threatening a dangerous mix of severe storms, blizzard conditions, flash flooding, and potentially feet of lake-effect snow in its wake. Starting on Sunday, the low-pressure area will swing through the Upper Midwest, bringing with it rain, snow, and gusty winds. Blizzard warnings have been issued in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where these powerful wind gusts may create dangerous blizzard conditions.
People walk in the snow in Central Park in New York City on December 27, 2025. New York City received around 4 inches (10 centimeters) of snow overnight. Airlines canceled 1,500 US flights during the peak holiday travel period Friday, with severe winter storm warnings and heavy snow forecast across parts of the Midwest and northeast. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)
Further south, along Lakes Michigan and Erie, the combination of moisture and rapid snowmelt closer to the low-pressure center creates a brewing flash flooding risk. While rainfall totals will generally average 1 to 2 inches, the existing snowpack and warm temperatures ahead of the front increase the flood potential for cities from Chicago to Cleveland and Buffalo.
Severe Storm Threat and Lake-Effect Snow
Ahead of the front, rain will sweep across the eastern Great Lakes. As the front extends south into the Tennessee Valley, some stronger storms, potentially severe, may develop. 
A Level 1 of 5 severe storm threat exists from northern Indiana south into Missouri, including Indianapolis, St. Louis, Louisville, and Nashville. The primary threat will be damaging wind gusts, though given the present wind shear, a few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
By Sunday, the system will usher in cold air as it moves east, allowing snow to develop in areas from Minneapolis into Michigan. While general snow totals will range from 5 to 8 inches, the arrival of colder air and shifting winds across the northern Great Lakes could trigger lake-effect snow totals of up to 18 inches in localized areas, according to the FOX Forecast Center. 
Northeast Impacts and Lake-Effect Snow
As the front pushes east Sunday evening, rain will spread across the Northeast, clearing out snow that remains in affected areas. Most areas will remain above freezing, limiting snow chances for the majority of the region. Icing appears likely where cold air remains trapped, which will create travel hazards across New England, particularly in high-elevation areas. Winter Weather Alerts have been issued for most of New England for the potential of ice up to 0.10″. 
A quick burst of high, gusty winds is likely from the Midwest to the Northeast. Power outages are also possible. A rush of much colder air will arrive as winds pivot out of the northwest, triggering significant lake-effect snow downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Portions of Western and Upstate New York are expected to see plowable snow through Tuesday, with totals potentially exceeding one foot.
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