Three-Storm Sequence Brings Snow, Ice to Midwest and Northeast

First wave spreads snow across Northern Tier, with more wintry weather on the way

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A three-storm sequence is impacting millions across more than 25 states in the winter-weary Midwest and Northeast with snow and ice. The first wave is spreading snow across the Northern Tier, followed by a second system bringing snow, freezing rain, and ice to the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Sunday and Monday. The third round is expected to arrive on Tuesday, with the potential for rain, snow, and ice in the Northeast.

Why it matters

This multi-day stretch of winter weather will disrupt travel and daily life for residents across a large swath of the country, with the potential for power outages, school closures, and dangerous driving conditions. The storms come on the heels of a historic blizzard that slammed the I-95 corridor earlier this year, raising concerns about the region's ability to cope with repeated winter weather events.

The details

The first wave is making its way to the Northeast this morning, with snow accumulations expected to remain under 3 inches. The second system will develop along the tail end of the passing cold front, with snow and freezing rain likely to begin in Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri between 3 and 6 p.m. CT on Sunday. Snow totals for this round are expected to be around 1 to 3 inches, with ice accumulations up to 0.10 inches. The third round will arrive on Tuesday, with the potential for rain, snow, and ice in the Northeast, with snow threats in Upstate New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and northward.

  • The first wave is moving across the Northern Tier through midday Sunday.
  • The second system will develop on Sunday afternoon and continue through Monday.
  • The third round is expected to arrive on Tuesday and continue through Wednesday morning.

The players

FOX Weather

The weather forecasting service that provided the information and analysis for this story.

National Weather Service

The government agency that provided snow accumulation data and analysis for the storms.

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What they’re saying

“Notably, one report indicated 5.5 inches of snow that melted down to 0.16 inches of liquid water, and according to National Weather Service officials, this would suggest an unusually high snow-to-liquid ratio of approximately 34:1 if confirmed.”

— National Weather Service officials (foxweather.com)

What’s next

The FOX Forecast Center is continuing to monitor the developing systems and will provide updates as the storms progress through the Midwest and Northeast.

The takeaway

This three-storm sequence highlights the ongoing challenges that winter weather can pose for communities across the Midwest and Northeast, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.