Boston, MA – SNOW! As powerful winter systems begin develop this season and track up the East Coast, meteorologists are reminding residents to know the difference between a Winter Storm Advisory and a Winter Storm Warning — especially before traveling on I-95 or through snow-prone areas of New York, Massachusetts, and Maine.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Winter Storm Warning means significant snow, sleet, or ice is expected or already occurring. These conditions can make driving hazardous, lead to power outages, and reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile. Warnings are issued when confidence is high that a storm will produce major regional impacts.
A Winter Weather Advisory, on the other hand, signals that lighter snow or icy mix is likely but may still affect travel. Even a few inches of accumulation can cause spin-outs and road closures on steep or coastal routes, particularly across inland New England and the I-90 corridor.
The NWS says alert criteria vary by location — what qualifies as a warning in Maine’s mountains might only trigger an advisory near Boston. Coastal winds off the Atlantic can also intensify snowfall and create dangerous whiteout conditions even during moderate systems.
Forecasters urge residents to monitor local alerts at weather.gov, carry emergency supplies, and limit travel during active warnings, especially along the busy I-95 corridor and rural state routes.
