LATEST STORM TIMELINE: Powerful Winter Storm to Bury NY/NJ Region in Snow, Governors Declare Emergencies
Residents across New York City and the surrounding region are preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall along with dangerously cold temperatures throughout the weekend.
Winter storm warnings are in effect across New York and New Jersey, leading both governors to declare states of emergency as forecasters warn that parts of the Tri-State Area could see a foot of snow or more. The system is shaping up to be the most severe snowstorm to hit the city since February 2021.
Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered the activation of the New York National Guard to provide assistance throughout New York City, Long Island, and the northern suburbs as the storm intensifies.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani cautioned residents that conditions could deteriorate rapidly, warning of “whiteout or near-blizzard” conditions at the height of the storm.
Storm timeline
Winter storm warnings remain in effect from 3 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Snow is expected to begin early Sunday morning and intensify as the day progresses, according to updated forecast models.
From 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, snow is forecast to spread across the region from west to east as the storm system moves north, beginning lightly before strengthening by daybreak.
Between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, snowfall is expected to become extremely heavy, with rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas.
From mid-afternoon through late evening Sunday, warmer air may be drawn into the system, pushing the freezing line northwest. During this period, New York City and areas to the south and east could see a mix of freezing rain and sleet, while parts of the Jersey Shore and Long Island’s South Shore may change over to plain rain. Areas north and west of the city are expected to remain all snow, with heavy accumulations continuing.
Winds are also forecast to strengthen, particularly along the coast, with gusts between 25 and 35 mph. Ice accumulation of up to two-tenths of an inch is possible, raising concerns about downed trees and power disruptions when combined with the gusty winds.
From late Sunday night into early Monday morning, precipitation is expected to transition back to snow across the entire Tri-State Area as the storm gradually weakens. Light to moderate snow could linger into Monday afternoon.
Expected snowfall totals
Despite periods of mixed precipitation, forecasters say snow totals will be substantial across much of the region.
Areas north and west of New York City are most likely to receive more than 12 inches of snow. The five boroughs and nearby locations are expected to see between 8 and 12 inches, while coastal areas may receive lower totals due to mixing, generally in the 5- to 10-inch range.
Forecast totals include:
New York City: 8–12 inches
Long Island: 8–12 inches on the North Shore and western sections; 4–9 inches on the South Shore and eastern areas
Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore: 8–12 inches inland; 4–9 inches along the coast
North Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and Connecticut: 12 inches or more
Upper Hudson Valley and far northwestern New Jersey: 12 inches or more
Officials urge residents to limit travel, prepare for power outages, and closely monitor updates as the storm unfolds.
{Matzav.com}
