NYC Area Winter Weather: Cold, Ice, and Weekend Storm Potential

Persistent Cold and Ice

• 🥶 Harsh winter cold continues to grip the NYC area, with temperatures in the low 20s and even high teens in some locations.
• 🧊 Sheets of ice were observed floating in the Hudson River, indicating the severity of the cold, and are expected to persist through the weekend.

Weekend Storm Outlook

• ⚠️ A potential weekend storm is being closely monitored, with current forecasts suggesting it will remain mostly out to sea.
• 🌨️ There is a possibility that the east end of Long Island could be clipped by the storm, potentially bringing 1 to 3 inches of measurable snow.
• 💨 If snow occurs on the east end, strong winds could lead to conditions that might satisfy the criteria for a blizzard, especially if visibility drops significantly.

Blizzard Conditions Explained

• 🌬️ A blizzard is defined by wind gusts of at least 35 mph, visibility reduced to a quarter-mile or less, and these conditions lasting for at least 3 hours.
• ❄️ The presence of falling snow is crucial for blizzard conditions; winds can also pick up existing snow, but the current forecast suggests limited falling snow for the east end.

Wind Gusts and Storm Path

• 📈 Sunday morning forecasts show significant wind gusts, with speeds reaching 36 mph in Riverhead and 43 mph in Montauk.
• 🌊 The European model suggests the storm will form near the Outer Banks and move northeast, potentially impacting the east end of Long Island with minor snow accumulations.

Extended Forecast and Temperature Trends

• 🌡️ The immediate forecast includes First Alerts for cold air on Friday and Saturday.
• ❄️ Sunday's weather will be dominated by the coastal system, with a possibility of snow for the easternmost areas, but the cold air is expected to persist.
• ☀️ Monday, Groundhog Day, could be the first day above freezing in a long time, with temperatures potentially reaching 33 degrees.