New York, NY – Drivers across New York City and Long Island have less than 24 hours to prepare before 20 inches of wind-whipped snow and 60 mph gusts slam the region by 1 p.m. Sunday, threatening to shut down highways and strand commuters through 6 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a Blizzard Warning is now in effect for the five boroughs, Long Island, southern Westchester County and coastal Connecticut from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Snow totals will range from 15 to 20 inches, with the highest amounts expected across Suffolk and Nassau counties. Winds will gust up to 55 mph in most areas, with isolated gusts to 60 mph and up to 65 mph possible on the east end of Long Island.
Whiteout conditions will drop visibility below a quarter mile at times, especially Sunday night into Monday afternoon when winds peak. Major corridors including the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, I-95 in southern Connecticut and the Cross Bronx Expressway could become impassable as blowing snow covers plowed lanes.
The combination of heavy, wet snow and powerful wind gusts raises the risk of downed tree limbs and scattered power outages, particularly across eastern Long Island. Utility crews are preparing for potential service disruptions affecting thousands.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel beginning Sunday afternoon. If travel becomes unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit, charge mobile devices and allow extra time. The storm will directly impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Blizzard conditions are expected to persist until 6 p.m. Monday, and additional advisories could follow if conditions worsen.
