Winter's first big snowstorm hits the Northeast as schools close and traffic slows

PORTLAND, Maine(AP) — The first major snowstorm of the winter arrived in the U.S. Northeast on Tuesday just as the Midwest began to escape snow and ice that snarled travel after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Some parts of northern New England were expecting up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of snow. The storm brought wind and ice to the region and soaked some parts of the six New England states while piling snow in others.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in states including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut and New York ahead of the snow's arrival. Snow fell steadily on Tuesday, although some areas were spared the predicted high totals.

The winter weather arrived days after more than 8 inches (20.32 centime