A Winter Storm Warning has been officially issued as a powerful winter storm approaches New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area. This warning is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday morning, with the National Weather Service predicting significant snowfall that could impact travel and daily activities.
According to the latest updates, much of the New York City area, along with northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut, is under this Winter Storm Warning. The storm is expected to bring the most significant snow accumulation of the season thus far. The forecast indicates that the storm system will begin moving through the Tri-State region on Friday afternoon, with snow expected to reach New York City by around 5 or 6 p.m. The storm's origins can be traced back to potent weather systems currently affecting California.
The energy from these storms will merge with Arctic air from the Midwest as it heads toward the East Coast. The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur Friday evening between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Saturday. Although snowfall will taper off quickly afterward, lighter snow may continue until midday, with little to no additional accumulation.
At its peak, this storm could produce snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, significantly reducing visibility and making travel extremely hazardous. In preparation for the storm, New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for Friday evening into Saturday, urging residents to exercise caution if they must travel. Both Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have echoed this advice, emphasizing the importance of safety during this hazardous weather.
The latest snowfall map suggests that areas within the city could see accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, while the heaviest snowfall bands may set up across regions such as the Catskills, Poconos, northern New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley, where totals could reach 8 to 12 inches. Sleet may mix with snow in southern New Jersey, resulting in lower accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, while eastern Long Island and eastern Connecticut may experience lesser amounts due to incoming dry air.
As the storm winds down on Saturday morning, there is a possibility that snow will transition to a mix, which may further complicate travel conditions. Despite the tapering of snowfall, temperatures will remain cold, barely rising above the freezing mark, which means minimal melting of the snow is expected.
Looking ahead, temperatures are forecasted to rise into the 40s on Sunday, accompanied by rain and a possible icy mix in areas north and west of the city. However, this brief respite will be short-lived, as an Arctic blast is anticipated to move in during the last few days of December 2023.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided regularly by the Channel 7 Eyewitness News AccuWeather team. For the very latest forecasts and weather advisories, check back frequently.
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