National Weather Service Issues Warning for 'Heavy' 'Treacherous' Snow After Christmas

While it won't be a white Christmas for most of the country, a significant portion of the United States could be hit with a snowstorm the day after Christmas, which could make travel quite difficult for some.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather warning for what it described as a "multi-hazard winter storm" impacting several parts of the country.

The NWS warned that a wintry mix and "heavy" snow could cause "treacherous travel conditions" the day after Christmas.

Winter Storm Warning

In a social media post on Wednesday afternoon, the NWS issued a warning about a "heavy wintry mix" that it expects to produce "a swath of disruptive snow, sleet and ice" from the Great Lakes to the Northeast.

The NWS warned of sleet and freezing rain that could potentially turn into snow in parts of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and other parts of the Great Lakes region, stretching into Maryland and the Northeast.

"An icy wintry mix of freezing rain & sleet will cause hazardous travel conditions from Michigan eastward across much of Pennsylvania and into the Mid-Atlantic," the NWS warned in a post on X. "Ice accumulations over one-quarter inch are forecast from northwest Pennsylvania to western Maryland where scattered areas of tree damage and power outages are possible. Hazardous ice is also likely into the DC/Baltimore & Philadelphia metro areas."

Key Messages have begun for a winter storm that looks to bring disruptive snow & ice to portions of the Great Lakes on Friday, then over the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic late Friday into Saturday. Residents & travelers are advised to closely monitor the forecast in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/OpgPQpMq6V

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 24, 2025

In addition to the wintry mix, some "heavy snow" is expected in other parts of the country, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the tri-state area, including New York City.

"Farther north, snow will fall heavily at times over central New York, northeast Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and the Tri-State area, including NYC. Moderate-to-high chances (50-70%) for snowfall totals over 6 inches are present in these regions," the NWS warned.

Travel Could be 'Treacherous'

Given the timing of the potentially severe winter weather, it could present some problems for anyone traveling after Christmas, as the NWS warns that the storm could lead to "treacherous travel conditions."

"This winter storm is likely to generate treacherous travel conditions and delays following Christmas Day. Stay up to date on the latest forecast," the NWS warned.

As always, it is best to use caution when driving in such conditions or avoid travel altogether, if possible. There's also a chance that these conditions could cause airport delays and flight cancellations, so it's a good idea to stay up to date on the latest information.