Northeast U.S. Braces for First Coastal Snow as Fast-Moving Sunday System Brings 1–2 Inches from New York to Boston

NORTHEAST UNITED STATES — A sneaky but fast-moving coastal storm is set to drop the first measurable snow of the season for major cities along the Northeast coastline, including New York City, Long Island, Boston, Providence, and coastal New Jersey. Forecast maps show widespread 1–2 inches of accumulation beginning early Sunday as the system skirts south of New England and pushes moisture onshore.

Coastal Cities Expected to Receive the Highest Snow Totals

While interior New England has already seen its share of early-season snow, this event marks the first coastal snowfall for millions of residents. The National Weather Service snowfall forecast highlights a corridor of 1–2 inches extending from New York City, Trenton, Providence, Hartford, and Boston, with small pockets of 3–6 inches farther inland, especially near Syracuse and western Pennsylvania.

Areas including New York City, Long Island, coastal Connecticut, Rhode Island, and eastern Massachusetts are expected to see a fast but efficient burst of snow. The storm’s track favors coastal regions, where moisture availability is higher, allowing quick accumulation despite marginal temperatures.

Further south, Washington, D.C. could pick up 1–2 inches, while nearby counties in Maryland and northern Virginia may see slightly higher totals approaching 2–3 inches.

NFL Games in the Snow Zone: How Sunday’s Storm May Affect Kickoff

The timing of this system overlaps with multiple NFL matchups, placing stadiums directly under the snow band.

• Bills at Patriots (1 p.m.) — Foxboro sits squarely in the light-to-moderate snow zone, meaning visibility and field conditions could deteriorate during gameplay.
• Commanders at Giants (1 p.m.) — East Rutherford may see a quick 1–2 inches, with slick roadways expected around MetLife Stadium.
• Raiders at Eagles — Philadelphia is forecast to receive 1–2 inches, raising concerns for early travel to Lincoln Financial Field.

Despite the snowfall, Monday flights into the Northeast remain unaffected, as the storm exits quickly and skies clear overnight.

Why This Early-Season Snow Event Is Generating so Much Excitement

After a quiet start to December for coastal communities, the arrival of a sneaky Sunday system brings renewed enthusiasm for winter weather lovers. To date, only interior New England and parts of the Northeast have seen measurable snow, leaving cities like New York and Boston waiting for their first flakes.

Because the system arrives quickly and departs just as fast, it represents a classic early-winter pattern where light coastal clipping provides a taste of winter without significant disruption. Roads may become slick for a few hours, but widespread impacts are expected to be limited.

Still, the event serves as an early reminder that winter weather patterns are beginning to shift, and more substantial storms could develop as December progresses.

As developing winter systems continue to affect eastern states, stay connected to NapervilleLocal.com for timely weather updates, travel guidance, and storm impact coverage throughout the season.