NYC Snow Forecast: Storm Totals, Sleet Mix, and Bitter Cold Ahead

Current Snowfall and Radar Explanation

• 🌨️ Newark Airport reported sleet transitioning back to snowfall, highlighting the dynamic nature of the storm.
• 📡 The radar display can show either snowfall rates (red and gray) or a mix of snow, ice, and rain, depending on the tool used.
• ⚠️ Traffic was unusually light, possibly due to the 15-degree temperature and northeasterly wind gusting to 22 mph.

Storm Evolution and Cleanup Advice

• ❄️ The snow has become less dry and now includes a sleet component, making it harder to remove.
• 🏠 Homeowners are advised to clear snow in intervals, use calcium chloride and salt, clear vents, and keep pets indoors.
• 📉 Precipitation is expected to taper off after 5:00 PM, transitioning to a light mix and then light snow.

Lingering Snow and Bitter Cold Outlook

• 🥶 A bitterly cold cleanup is expected tomorrow, with lingering snow showers and potential light accumulation north and east of NYC.
• 🗓️ The sub-freezing temperatures are forecast to last at least 8 days, potentially extending to February 11th.
• 🌊 A coastal low is enhancing precipitation intensity, contributing to the return of snow in some areas.

Snowfall Totals and Record Breaking

• 📊 Central Park has recorded 8.8 inches of snow, which is the average for the entire month of January.
• 🏆 This storm is the biggest snowfall in nearly 5 years for Central Park, surpassing the 6+ inch snowfall from January 2022.
• 📈 Several locations broke daily snowfall records, including Bridgeport, CT (13 inches), and Islip, Long Island (11.2 inches).

Evening Storm Dynamics and Future Forecast

• 🏙️ New York City is in a "battle zone" with sleet mixing in, especially along and south of I-78, through 7:00 PM.
• 🧊 Icing is possible on top of snow along the immediate coast and parts of Long Island, with potential freezing rain mixed in.
• 💨 Precipitation intensity will dramatically decrease after 9:00 PM as drier air moves in, though light patchy snow may continue overnight.
• 🏔️ Additional snowfall of a couple of inches is possible in the city by daybreak tomorrow, with 3-7 inches expected north and west, and potential pockets of higher totals.
• 🥶 The forecast for the next 7-11 days indicates brutal cold with minimal storm threats, though a close call is being watched for Thursday.