STOWE, Vt. -- A winter storm that wreaked havoc on the upper Midwest began its snowy assault on the East on Monday, spelling trouble for travelers but elation for ski resorts that suffered through an abysmal winter last year.

Drivers in much of the region had to navigate a mix of rain, sleet and snow as the storm -- which was blamed for at least 17 deaths -- lumbered eastward, blanketing northern New England overnight and threatening to dump as much as 20 inches in places.

In Vermont, 7 inches of snow welcomed skiers and snowboarders Monday morning.

School was canceled or classes delayed from New York to Maine as highways turned slippery and wind gusted to 40 mph.

Ice storm warnings were issued for Massachusetts and Connecticut, and winter storm warnings were in effect in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and northern and western New York.

-- The Associated Press