Lifestyle Trend: Urgent Winter Advisory Issued for Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and 3 Other States You Should Know

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories affecting large swaths of the Northeast, including central and western Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, eastern New York, northern Connecticut, and parts of southern Vermont and New Hampshire.

The advisories, currently in effect through Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, warn of moderate snowfall, slippery roads, and hazardous travel conditions due to a winter storm system moving across the region.

Key Highlights:

• Snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches expected across affected areas.
• Higher elevations may see totals of up to 8 inches, especially in the Berkshires and Adirondacks.
• Advisories remain in effect until 5 PM to 7 PM EST, depending on location.
• Travel is expected to be dangerous, particularly on untreated roads and higher terrain.
• Public urged to drive slowly and exercise caution.

Massachusetts Braces for Accumulating Snowfall

The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, MA has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective until 5 PM EST for western and central Massachusetts, including areas like Amherst, Fitchburg, Greenfield, and Northampton.

According to the NWS, “Snow is expected throughout the day, with accumulations of 1 to 4 inches across most areas. Localized amounts up to 6 inches are possible in the Berkshires.”

Impact on travel is a primary concern. Officials urge drivers to slow down and be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility, especially during the morning and evening commute.

Eastern New York Faces Widespread Snow

In a separate advisory from the NWS Albany, snowfall is forecasted to be more intense in eastern New York, extending from northern Herkimer and Hamilton counties down through the Hudson Valley, including Saratoga Springs, Poughkeepsie, and Glens Falls.

The advisory, which also includes northern portions of the Berkshires in Massachusetts and Litchfield County, CT, remains in effect until 7 PM EST Saturday.

“Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected, with higher totals — up to 8 inches — likely in the southern foothills of the Adirondacks and northern Berkshires,” the Albany NWS office reported.

Local municipalities have already begun salting and plowing operations in preparation for increasing snowfall rates expected during the afternoon.

Vermont and New Hampshire Under Active Advisories

The storm’s reach continues into Vermont, where the Rutland and Windsor counties are forecasted to receive 2 to 6 inches of snow, particularly in areas like Killington, Ludlow, and Springfield.

According to NWS Burlington, “Periods of snow will bring light to moderate accumulations through this afternoon before ending this evening. Plan on slippery road conditions.”

Similarly, central and southern New Hampshire, including Cheshire, Grafton, and Merrimack counties, are under Winter Weather Advisories. The Gray, ME NWS Office notes accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with Keene and Jaffrey potentially receiving the most snowfall.

Officials warn that even though the storm is not particularly intense, the combination of wet snow and cold road surfaces could result in slick travel through Saturday evening.

Pennsylvania on Alert for Hazardous Driving Conditions

While not the epicenter of this system, northeastern Pennsylvania is still expected to experience accumulating snow and deteriorating road conditions throughout the day. Light snow is forecasted to fall across the Pocono Mountains and northern tier counties, contributing to travel difficulties, especially on untreated roads.

Drivers are advised to monitor PennDOT traffic updates and check weather.gov for real-time advisories before heading out.

Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings

As snowfall continues to blanket the region, transportation departments across affected states have urged residents to limit unnecessary travel. Emergency services anticipate increased response times due to road conditions and reduced visibility.

“Even though this is not a blockbuster storm, it’s coming at a time when roads are cold and untreated,” said Frank Nocera, a meteorologist with NWS Boston. “We expect travel disruptions, particularly during peak commuting hours.”

Air travel may also face minor delays at major airports like Boston Logan, Albany International, and Bradley International in Hartford due to de-icing operations and visibility issues.

Public Safety Reminders and Preparedness Tips

Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to:

• Avoid travel unless necessary during peak snow hours (late morning through early evening).
• Check local NWS websites or newengland511.org for up-to-date road and forecast information.
• Keep emergency kits in vehicles, including blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight.
• Clear driveways and sidewalks early to avoid packed snow and ice buildup.

In particular, elderly residents and those with limited mobility should take extra precautions as untreated walkways can become dangerously slippery.

What to Expect Tonight and Beyond

The winter storm is forecast to exit the region by late Saturday evening, with clearing skies overnight and colder temperatures following behind. Refreezing of melted snow may create black ice hazards overnight, particularly in rural and higher elevation areas.

Looking ahead, the extended forecast shows colder but drier conditions through early next week, with another potential system approaching the Mid-Atlantic by Tuesday.