NYC Winter Storm: Heavy Snow, Sleet, and Dangerous Travel Conditions

Winter Storm Overview

• 🌨️ Heavy snow is falling across NYC and the Tri-State area, with crews working to clear roadways that are quickly becoming snow-covered.
• 🥶 Frigid temperatures, with air temperatures in the single digits and feeling like two degrees below zero with gusty winds, are limiting the effectiveness of salt and brine.
• ⚠️ Winter storm warnings are in effect, highlighting the dangers of snow-packed roads, blowing snow, and limited visibility.

Snowfall Intensity and Accumulation

• 📈 Snowfall rates are intensifying, with some areas experiencing 1 to 2 inches per hour, particularly in New Jersey and parts of Orange and Duchess Counties.
• 🏙️ While snowfall intensity has not yet peaked in the five boroughs, it is expected to increase throughout the morning and early afternoon.
• 🏔️ Impressive snow totals are anticipated, with northwest New Jersey and the lower Hudson Valley potentially exceeding a foot of snow.

Transition to Sleet and Ice

• 🧊 A transition to sleet and ice is expected from New York City south and east later in the afternoon, which will not stop snowfall totals but will add a dangerous layer of ice.
• ⚠️ Even with sleet, travel remains dangerous due to the slick conditions created by the ice on top of the snow.
• 🌃 Snow is expected to continue straight through Monday morning in some areas, with a lull possible overnight before a final push of light to moderate snow.

Forecasted Totals and Cold Conditions

• 📊 Snowfall expectations range from 6 to 12 inches for areas south and east of NYC, and 1 to 1.5 feet for areas north and west.
• 🌬️ Wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are contributing to blowing snow and further reducing visibility.
• 🥶 A prolonged stretch of cold conditions is expected after the storm, with highs remaining in the teens and 20s, and no significant warming anticipated until the start of February.