You’re staring out the window, coffee in hand, wondering if you actually need to go find that shovel or if the sky is just teasing you. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and depending on where you're standing, the answer to is it going to snow more today ranges from "you're done" to "it's just getting started."
Weather is messy. Honestly, it’s rarely as clean as the little snowflake icon on your phone makes it out to be. Right now, a massive atmospheric tug-of-war is happening across North America. We have Arctic air dumping out of Canada, a "clipper" system dragging across the Great Lakes, and a brand-new storm brewing in the Gulf that’s about to make things very weird for the East Coast.
The Short Answer: Who is Seeing More Flakes Today?
If you are in the Upper Midwest, Ohio Valley, or parts of the Northeast, yes, there’s likely more on the way before the sun goes down.
National Weather Service (NWS) offices in places like Cleveland and Albany have been tracking snow squalls all morning. These aren't your typical "gentle dusting" events. They are violent, fast-moving bursts of heavy snow that can drop visibility to near zero in seconds. If you're in Northeastern Ohio or Western Pennsylvania, the squalls are expected to persist through the late afternoon as the Arctic front pushes through.
Over in the Mid-Atlantic—think DC, Baltimore, and Philly—the morning snow burst has largely transitioned to a sloppy rain-snow mix. For those of you there, the "more today" part is mostly going to be a cold drizzle until tonight. But don't put the boots away. A second, more organized system is forming right now near the Gulf Coast.
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Is it Going to Snow More Today in the South?
This is where it gets interesting. And a little bit "anomalous," as meteorologist Kristian Oliver from the Tallahassee NWS office put it.
We are looking at a setup where snow might actually hit North Florida and South Georgia late tonight and into early Sunday. For today, January 17, the South is mostly dealing with the "cold before the storm." Temperatures are plummeting. In Alabama, rain is exiting the state this morning, leaving a dry gap. But then, after 5:00 PM, a new round of moisture moves into the southern sections.
- Alabama/Georgia Border: Rain will likely mix with snow between midnight and 3:00 AM.
- Tallahassee, Florida: While today is just cold, tomorrow morning could see actual flakes.
- Central Georgia: Expect the bulk of the action to hit between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM tomorrow, with up to 3 inches possible south of Atlanta.
The Northeast and New York City Outlook
New York City is currently in a "Snow Alert" status issued by the DSNY. If you’re in the five boroughs asking is it going to snow more today, the answer is: not much more right now, but wait for the overnight.
The city saw some light flakes earlier, and salt spreaders are already out. However, the real "event" for NYC, New Jersey, and Connecticut is a fast-moving system timed for Sunday. NYC Emergency Management is tracking 1 to 3 inches starting as early as 5:00 AM Sunday.
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Up in Albany and Litchfield County, CT, the NWS actually cancelled some of today’s advisories because the morning bands moved through faster than expected. They’re essentially resetting the clock for a bigger push tomorrow.
Why the Forecast Keeps Shifting
You’ve probably noticed the "Call for Snowfall" maps changing every three hours. That’s because the jet stream is incredibly active right now. We have "jet streaks"—pockets of very fast air high up—that are triggering these surprise bursts of snow ahead of the main models.
The ground temperature is the big "but" in this forecast. In Maryland and Virginia, temperatures climbed into the 40s this afternoon. Even if it starts snowing more later today, it’s going to struggle to stick to the roads. It’ll mostly be a "grassy surfaces" kind of event.
However, in the Great Lakes region, the lake-effect machine is cranking. Western New York, specifically downwind of Lake Ontario, is looking at several inches per day piling up through the weekend. For them, it isn't a question of if it will snow more today, but when they can finally see the end of the driveway.
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Safety and Travel Realities
If you have to be on the roads in the Midwest or Northeast today, watch out for the "flash freeze." As that Arctic front moves through, any rain or slush on the roads will turn to black ice instantly.
- Check the 511 system: This is the most reliable way to see real-time road closures.
- Monitor Snow Squall Warnings: If your phone buzzed with a wireless emergency alert, pull over. These squalls cause multi-car pileups because you truly cannot see the hood of your car.
- The "Code Blue" is active: In major cities like NYC, outreach teams are working double shifts. If you see someone in need of shelter, call 311.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Weekend
Basically, today is the "setup" day. The Arctic air is finishing its trek across the plains, and the moisture is moving up from the Gulf.
By the time you wake up Sunday, the map will look very different. We’re looking at a strip of snow potential stretching from the Florida Panhandle all the way to Maine. It’s a classic "Mid-Atlantic Special" where the coastal areas might actually get more than the inland mountains.
Actionable Steps for the Next 12 Hours:
- Salt your walkways now. Even if it’s just raining where you are, the temp drop tonight will turn your porch into a skating rink.
- Top off the tank. Cold weather drains batteries and being stuck in a snow-induced traffic jam with a low tank is a nightmare.
- Clear the tailpipes. If you're in an area with heavy accumulating snow, make sure your car's exhaust is clear before you start it up to warm it. Carbon monoxide is a real risk when snow piles up against the bumper.
- Bring the pets in. Even the "snow dogs" will struggle with the sub-zero wind chills hitting the Midwest tonight.
The "nickel-and-dime" winter of 2026 is officially here. It might not be one giant blizzard, but these constant 1-to-3-inch events are going to keep the salt trucks busy for the foreseeable future.