Incoming Nor’easter Threatens Late-Week Travel Disruptions in New York City

After escaping a relatively mild hurricane season, the eastern coast of the U.S. might be in for some turbulent weather this weekend.

A potential nor’easter is forecasted for the latter half of the week, bringing a sharp plunge in temperatures, heavy rain, gusty winds, and potential interior snowfall from the Midwest down to the East Coast.

The system is expected to impact the northeastern U.S. between Thursday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 14, bringing cold rain to coastal cities along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and possibly snow to interior areas, including central and eastern parts of New York and New England, along with the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and surrounding regions.

While the exact track and intensity are still being pinned down, forecasters expect the storm to deliver the first snowflakes of the season to interior locations like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Syracuse and Binghamton, New York, as well as the higher terrain of the Poconos, Catskills, and Berkshires.

However, areas right along the Interstate 95 corridor-including Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston-will likely stay too warm for snow.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the storm’s exact track, but forecasters, including AccuWeather, expect an almost-certain sharp drop in temperature as the system moves through.

“After a relatively warm stretch of weather from late October through early November across a majority of the Midwest and Northeast, a shifting weather pattern will bring a sharp turn towards cooler conditions later this week,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. “In addition to the chill, a storm later this week can bring the potential for the first snowfall of the season for many.”

Travel Impact

As of Monday evening, no major airline has issued any formal travel waivers, as carriers typically hold off until about 48 to 72 hours before each storm hits. However, depending on the system’s track and intensity, the storm could disrupt travel through major Northeast hubs like JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Boston Logan.

Cruise lines operating out of regional ports are also monitoring the system closely, as late-week rough seas and incoming cold fronts can occasionally prompt schedule adjustments or early departures for ships heading south toward the Bahamas or Bermuda.