Philadelphia, PA – Holiday drivers planning to use Interstate 95 may encounter sudden snow bursts and rapidly changing travel conditions from Saturday, December 7, through Friday, December 13, according to early guidance from the National Weather Service (NWS). Several quick-moving disturbances could disrupt travel on one of the busiest corridors on the East Coast.
According to the NWS, a series of fast-moving systems tied to the broader Alberta Clipper pattern may slide across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and New England next week. These disturbances can form quickly and often produce abrupt visibility drops, brief pavement icing, and short-lived yet disruptive bursts of snow.
The greatest impacts may occur along heavily traveled stretches including Baltimore and Wilmington, the New Jersey Turnpike corridor, Philadelphia, New York City, southern Connecticut, Providence, and Boston, with additional effects possible into New Hampshire and southern Maine. Coastal areas may experience quick changes in precipitation type, while inland segments could see heavier bursts depending on timing and temperature.
Forecasters emphasize that snow totals are not the primary concern. Instead, drivers should prepare for rapid-onset slowdowns, especially during peak travel periods when early holiday traffic is expected to surge. Even minor bursts may cause significant delays due to dense traffic volumes along I-95.
The NWS advises motorists to monitor forecasts and plan for extra travel time through the December 7–13 window, as additional disturbances may develop with limited advance notice.
