NYC Winter Storm 2026: Timing, Snow Totals, and Dangerous Cold Forecast

Major Winter Storm and Arctic Cold for NYC

• ❄️ A significant winter storm is forecast for New York City, with the potential for over a foot of snow, a rare event not seen in five years.
• 🥶 The storm is preceded by a dangerous cold air mass from the Arctic, bringing sub-zero wind chills and frostbite risks.

Storm Timing and Snow Accumulation

• 🗓️ The storm is expected to impact the area from Sunday into early Monday, with the heaviest snowfall anticipated from mid-morning to late afternoon on Sunday.
• 🌨️ Snowfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour during the peak of the storm.
• 🏙️ Snow accumulation totals are projected to be 8-12 inches for New York City and the north shore of Long Island, with over a foot possible in areas north and west of NYC.

Mixing and Icing Concerns

• ⚠️ Winter storm warnings are in effect, with potential for sleet and freezing rain mixing in, especially south and east of the city, including parts of Long Island.
• 🧊 A glaze of dangerous ice, up to one-tenth of an inch, is possible in central and southern New Jersey, potentially causing damage and power outages.
• 🚗 Travel is expected to be hazardous, if not impossible, due to heavy snow and icy conditions.

Extended Cold Spell

• 🌡️ Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to persist for at least the next 10 days, with wind chills remaining sub-zero.
• 🥶 This cold stretch could be the longest since 2018, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing.

School and Cleanup Impacts

• 🏫 Cancellations are likely for Monday due to the significant snow and ice accumulation, coupled with lingering light snow and challenging cleanup conditions.
• 🚧 Crews will face a very challenging cleanup effort following the storm.