Cross-country storm to deliver snow, rain ahead of New Year’s

While much of the East stayed dry before, during and the day after Christmas, some rain, snow and ice will return to many areas before the end of the year.

A weak storm moving in on Friday will put an end to the stretch of dry weather the region has enjoyed for much of the week.

Spotty showers are forecast from portions of Pennsylvania to Massachusetts. Farther north, the air will be cold enough for snow, ice and slippery travel.

An even stronger storm is forecast to follow later this weekend.

This next storm will first unleash heavy snow and localized blizzard conditions across the Plains, as well as beneficial rain and locally severe thunderstorms over the lower Mississippi Valley.

Precipitation will reach the Northeast on Sunday, with areas of rain, snow and ice expected.

Depending on when the heaviest bursts of rain come down, airport delays and slowed speed on the roads could be an issue for those traveling on Sunday.

Parts of interstates 80, 81, 87 and 90, could experience downpours throughout the day, bringing reduced visibility for motorists. By the afternoon, airports in D.C., New York and Boston, as well as other parts of I-95, could have heavy enough rain to cause some delays.

The exact timing of the storm could push the period of heaviest rain to Sunday night, likely impacting fewer travelers, or even delay the rain or cause it to linger into Monday. Those heading back to work on Monday should keep a close eye on the weekend storm to be sure they leave enough time for their morning commute.

The storm is likely to bring another period of snowy, icy travel across portions of New England.

Chilly conditions are expected to filter in behind this storm. High temperatures in the 30s and 40s F will be more widespread across the Great Lakes and Northeast for the final days of 2019.