A post-Christmas snowstorm is set to deliver significant snowfall across New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island, with forecasts predicting accumulations of up to 9 inches. As winter storm warnings and advisories remain in effect through Saturday afternoon, the impact is expected to pose hazardous travel conditions and bring bitterly cold temperatures as the weekend approaches.
The National Weather Service has cautioned residents to prepare for challenging travel as a powerful weather system sweeps through the Northeast. Snow is expected to commence late Friday afternoon, intensifying overnight and creating difficult commuting conditions, especially during the Friday evening rush hour. The NWS has indicated that this may be one of the heaviest snowfalls the area has experienced in years.
According to forecasts, the hardest-hit regions will be southeast New York, northeast New Jersey, and parts of southern Connecticut, with winter storm warnings in place for these areas. Lighter but still disruptive accumulations may occur in neighboring regions under winter weather advisories.
Snowfall is anticipated to begin from late Friday, with the greatest accumulation expected overnight into early Saturday. The winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday until 1 p.m. Saturday, and a winter weather advisory will extend from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday for surrounding areas.
Forecasts detail that total snow accumulations could reach between 5 to 9 inches in regions under winter storm warnings, with 3 to 5 inches expected in advisory zones. The FOX Forecast Center predicts widespread accumulations of 3 to 5 inches from central New Jersey to New York City and southern Connecticut, with higher totals potentially exceeding 8 inches across parts of New York City, northern New Jersey, and western Long Island.
Additionally, there is a potential for a brief mix of sleet or freezing rain early Saturday morning as warmer air moves into the area, which may further complicate conditions.
Officials are emphasizing the necessity for residents to prepare for dangerous travel. “As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to welcome the new year, they should also brace for hazardous travel conditions,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. He assured that city agencies are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating their response.
Drivers are urged to take extra precautions, allowing for additional travel time and staying updated on local transportation alerts as the storm progresses. With the possibility of this snowfall marking a significant weather event—breaking a streak of over 1,400 days without a similar accumulation of more than six inches in a 24-hour period—residents are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution during what could be a historically impactful winter storm.